Friday Inspiration - Gardens

After a few weeks of work, the flower and herb beds are in shape, things are beginning to bloom, and I even was able to add an extension for more herbs!  Now I'm ready to start sketching in the gardens each day and see what I can come up with for projects.

In the meantime, the garden quilts of Wisconsin artist Ann Fahl have been inspiring me!  See lots more on her website here.

Happy Creating!  Deborah

It's Leon Day!

Happy Leon Day!  If you're like me a week ago, you're saying huh??????  I recently found out about this special day and love it, however I do love anything that makes any day special.  So what is Leon Day?  Well, Leon is Noel backwards and June 25th is 6 months from Christmas!  For many people I know, the last thing they want to start thinking about in June is Christmas, however if you're a crafter of any type you know how important it really is to begin thinking about the holidays months ahead.  First of all, one needs that extra time to get even half of what is planned finished!  And then June and July are when all the new holiday fabrics are released.

I actually plan for Christmas projects all year long and really get going in July - and yes, we will be having a week of Christmas in July like usual this year with the first of the new hand crafted ornaments and new projects and inspirations!  Until then, here are some previews.  

So, indulge yourself today with some Christmas dreaming!  Here are some websites to help:
Patience Brewster new ornaments
Fat Quarter Shop's Christmas fabric
Amazon.com's list of Christmas craft books
Etsy listings of Christmas yarn
Ravelry Christmas patterns

Happy Creating!  Deborah

Friday Inspiration - Rain!

I had planned on being inspired by gardens today.  The last few weeks, I've been working on herb and flower gardens most of the day - not much time for fibers, but then gardening is another of my passions.  So my plan was to take some gorgeous sun-filled photos to share .... that's the funny thing about inspirations, though.  You can't really plan them!  And after a short working morning, our three week dry spell ended with beautiful rain showers.  Besides being inspiring, they gave me a chance to do a bit more knitting on my current project, a sweater in Madelinetosh Vintage Well Water.  

I'll get back to the gardens next week!

Happy Creating!  Deborah

Friday Inspiration - Still Looking at Greens!

Besides looking at all the greens around me as I worked outside, I also spent some of this week looking at different green fibers on the internet!  Some of my favorites:

I love this gorgeous blue-green hand dyed yarn I found at The Verdant Gryphon.  I have no idea what it will become, but it's making its way into my stash very soon!

It's been way too long since I've done any eco-dyeing and this beautiful cloth of Hannah Lamb's is inspiring me to get back to it!  See more here.

This quilt by Anne Maundrell reminds me of the forests around the farm.  I really like the layering!

This handwoven scarf by Waschbear has so many beautiful shades of green!  If you're interested in weaving, there are lots of wonderful pieces on the website.

Happy Creating!  Deborah

Green

Oregon has the reputation of being green, but it's not just "green" - there are so many different shades!  While working outdoors, I've been noticing and being inspired by all the greens.

From top left:  birch leaves, garden sage, Norway maple, grass gone to seed, big leaf maple, grass, spruce, Douglas fir with new growth, ferns.

Happy Creating!  Deborah

Friday Inspiration - Loom on the Lake Weaving

Weaving has long been on my list of fiber arts to get into - yes, I have done small weavings on simple looms, but I am intrigued by the larger looms and the intricate patterns that can be created.  If I ever do try this out, one of my inspirations will definitely be the work of Lynn from Loom on the Lake.  I love how she plays with pattern, texture, and color!  Nature, her lake, and music are all sources of her inspirations.  Her website here has many, many examples of her work - be sure to click on the individual photos and read in detail of how she was inspired to create that piece.  And if you're interested in the weaving process, see her detailed photo examples here.

A scarf inspired by winter sunrises

Ripples, inspired by the lake

Delicately Lyric, inspired by Telemann's Sonata Methodiche

Lynn also has an Etsy shop with shawls, scarves, table runners, and tea towels.

Happy Creating!  Deborah

Giant Silk Moth

This beauty was on the shop door one morning - gorgeous!  There are the most beautiful moths on this farm.  It's one of the giant silk moths - I haven't figured out exactly which one.  And no ... I got all excited when I saw the word "silk," but it doesn't look like I'll be gathering any from their cocoons.

However, I am inspired to make my first fabric moth, something I've been planning ever since seeing Mr. Finch's work!  I brought out the colored pencils to start getting an idea of the colors I'll be needing.  There is an amazing amount of color layering on this moth!  And I need to work on that a lot more!

I think I'll need muslin, fabric paint, thread, felt, and a deep frame .....

Happy Creating!  Deborah