Get Your Sweaters Winter Ready

Cashmere and wool doesn't grow on trees people!  They need just a little TLC to keep them in your winter wardrobe rotation.  This cashmere sweater had several (moth?) holes in it.  I washed it along with a load of other light colors in my front loader, air dried, and went to work. 

 I had some wool roving and felting tools on hand...'cause, you know, we crafters just gotta try it ALL.  I started off intending to use star shaped cookie cutters, but my felting tool didn't fit into the pointy tips of the star.  I went with free-form polka dots instead.  I also used the d-fuzz-it comb to take off the pills.  This tool is a quick fix that doesn't appear to damage the knit.   

An alternative for patching sweater holes are these Stella Neptune iron on appliques.  Since I was watching YouTube wool felting tips during the wee hours of the morning, I went with the roving instead.  Get yourself some of the metal open-type cookie cutter shapes ($1 at antique store), a felting needle and put some fun into that old sweater. 

MoRe SpELlBouND

 I have not forgotten the magic of Spellbound, at the Langham Resort in Pasadena, CA.  Can you even imagine such an Olde World relic on acreage in the middle of the LA sprawl? 

 The public areas were vast, meticulous and gorgeously decorated with fresh flowers, ample comfortable seating, murals, patterned carpet and huge old crystal chandeliers. 

 There were over 100 gals (all gals!) making magic at Spellbound, plus Shea, Debbie and their 2 young assistants who were so capable and dynamite "get-it-doners".  This beautiful young lady was in my Romantic Token Pins class with a huge stash of laces and trims.  She was very generous; that girl had some serious treasures.  She is also the master-mind who suggested that Kaari might want to host a little luncheon for us at The French General.  Heck yeah! 

 

 This team of a lady with her angel tugged at my heart.  Do you notice that the angel is missing a front leg?  This is one of those "why" questions in life to which there are no answers.  I felt such love and admiration for this pair. 

 OK, sniff, sniff, moving along...Here are the 2 Romantic Token pins I made, taught by Pamela Huntington.  I plan to make more using some bark cloth in place of the velvet base panel. 

 This necklace is gasp-worthy.  Taught by Shea and Debbie it makes me swoon just to look at it.  I am displaying it draped over a large apothecary jar in my office.  Above is the whole ensemble, minus the center reliquary medallion.  I am thinking of keep the medallion separate so that necklace won't be too fragile to wear. 

But I gotta show you the reliquary.  Mmmmm, Mmmmmm, Mmmmmm.  I have already signed up for 2 workshops that Shea and Debbie are teaching at the Portland Art&Soul in April; another of these rosary type necklaces and a fabric sampler.  I love that Gilded Life

Spellbound Classes

 I am home from the Spellbound art retreat in Pasadena CA.  Wow.  These instructors and kits were amazing.  Let's begin.  I selected 6 classes from a choice of 9 or so; 3 classes per day; each class lasted 3 hours; 9 hours of crafting on both Friday and Saturday.  Be still my heart.  The above necklace is the instructor's sample as I have not completed mine yet.  It is more fab than the pic shows.  When mine is ready, I'll post more about it. 

 Next was this darling little "Coco Lily" stuffed doll.  These are class samples by Pamela Huntington What a sweet and versatile artist she is.  Again, my own doll needs finishing. 

 Here is the bracelet taught by Terri Brush.  I loved this class because it is a whole new set of techniques to learn, and because the bracelet is beautiful.  I will do more of this; need new tools first.  Terri lives in Chehalis, WA which is about 2 hours away so I can zip down to take a workshop from her. 

 Here are class samples by Pamela Huntington for her "Romantic Token Pins".  These are so much fun to make.  Pamela was very generous with bits and bobs and fabric supplies to make 2 pins or more. 

 I completed one pin in class.  This pic doesn't show it off very well so I will post more about these fabric pins later.  I think they are really lovely. 

 The top altered book is Cathe Holden's class sample.  My completed book is on the bottom.  Cathe's instructions and kit were perfection.  If you know Cathe from her web site and from her Country Living projects, then you know what a good teacher she is.  So creative.  This was a lot of fun to make; I just love it. 

My last class was with Kaari Meng, making this beautiful beaded tiara.  This is my finished project, which I was able to complete in class.  I've had the opportunity to go to Kaari's French General shop twice, plus the privilege to take a class from her.  She is so sweet, generous and talented.  I am very happy with all the teachers and projects.  I would take everyone of these classes again, but of course next year will be all new selections. 

Bound for Spellbound

 

I am bound for Spellbound in Pasadena, CA.  I signed up for this many months ago then put it in the back of my mind.  Still, preparations had to be made!  I didn't sign up for any "swaps" but I did make bookmarks for my craft tablemates.  HA!  I just realized, like RIGHT NOW, that I will have different table mates at each of the 6 workshops I'm taking.  Unlike Enchanted Affaire where we worked at the same table throughout, all doing the same projects.  Oh, well.  No time to make more goodies. 

 I am mostly packed with my little airplane carry-on and my big suitcase.  We've been prepped to allow lots of suitcase space for the give-aways and for the shopping opportunities.  I am not going for the shopping (I say that now); though on the schedule is the Sunday Rose Bowl Flea Market, an outing to The French General, plus plenty of vendor wares during Spellbound. 

 Here are a few of the workshops I am taking.  This crown is taught by Kaari Meng from The French General.  Could you die?! 

 These are Romantic Token Pins taught by Pamela Harrington.  So pretty.  I'm taking some special bits and bobs from my stash to incorporate. 

This "Sacre Couer Reliquary" necklace is being taught by Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso, the hostess for the event.  Really, I need my A game for these workshops.  Little ol' paper-crafter me.