FIRST FINISHES OF 2017

New Years Greetings !

I'm just floating aimlessly into the new year in regards to my needlework projects.  I've done some stitching, knitting and NO hooking but that is about to change.

Tomorrow starts my annual outing to Off the Ocean rug hooking workshop.  This will be my 18th consecutive year of attending this rug camp.  My teacher this time is the incomparable Diane Stoffel and I've had her a number of times over the 18 years.  She and one other teacher and myself and one other "camper" are the only ones besides director and friend Katie Puckett who have attended all 18 years.  WOW - where have the years gone.  Anyway - I'm excited about that and next post I'll be showing some rug hooking FINALLY!  Sad to say another year is passing and I don't have a rug or finish to exhibit in their rug show.  BOOOOO  !  I simply must remedy that in 2017 and get something finished up.

I only have a couple of photos for you this post.  First is a not so great photo of a Janina Kallio design called Herald.  The yarn is Louisa Harding and I don't remember the name of it but a wool from Italy.  It's a lovely springy color and the light openness of the pattern will make it a wearable garment here in the deep south.

 Second up is Sailing by Meg Gadsbey from Australia - Atelier is the name of her design and hand dyeing company.  I ordered this White Gum wool from her and she also did the hand dyeing - gorgeous isn't it .  In AU they call this DK weight but here its worsted - My DH is already eyeballing it because he likes "thick" yarn not that wimpy stringy yarn I usually knit with.  WOW - I think he knows too much !  He also likes "tight" knitting - that's what he calls something in Stockinette or garter stitch not a lace or openwork design like the Herald.  He is too funny giving his commentary about my knitting.  I read on someone's blog some very good advice about involving your husband in your needlework in whatever way you could and it really has worked for me.  I ask him for color advice all the time in rugs, needlepoint, knitting whatever and now if I'm just sitting and vegging and not working on anything - he says "Why don't you have your crafting out"  HUH!  now I created a monster.  No seriously it is nicer for him to be pleasantly interested than complaining about my always "crafting".

well - short post today - I just wanted to pop in and show my 2 first finishes for 2017.  More to come I hope.  Cheers and "Happy Crafting "