Monday, January 28, 2008

Ton Schulten, orchid and embellisher

Thank you all for the comments on the Ton Schulten exercice. I had forgotten it, but seeing Seren Tex works has reminded me of that. It is fun to compare my work with that of the other ladies at the shop, even more to compare it worldwide:-)

About that orchid, I've made some research. It is really an orchid, and an easy one. Just see this article. The name is ludisia discolor.

I could not resist any longer, and I have purchased an embellisher. Have not had much time to play with it. So this is a very simple purse, made for my daughter's external hard drive. I would have added beads and some cling-cling, but that is definitvely not her style...
This is the back:
and the front, with a pocket for the connection and a flap.

Have a nice week all!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

GTS


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This plant was labelled as an orchid at the nursery as I purchased it. It was also mentioned that it was a very easy one. This is true. No special care required, and it has been blooming every year for several years. It is in my office right now and it enjoys the North facing window.
Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Ton Schulten or not ?

I was visiting blogs this morning, among other those of Digital Gran and Seren Tex. If you don't know them, you must visit them !

One year ago, the patchwork group I belong to did the same exercice as those ladies, and I think it may have been with pictures by the same painter, Ton Schulten (I am unable to find the reference of that calendar...). So seing their posts about the same was interesting and funny!
I can't resist the fun and here is what I've produced:

All fabrics were taken from samplers for furniture fabrics.

Oh, and a friend of mine gave me the address of her son's web site. If you like birds, go and see :
Wild about Images.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Misc and belly dance

Thank you for your comments on the bag and on the orchid.

Magpie, I agree with you, this book is a treasure, really.
Startare, it's rather easy: the kids are now living their own life :-)
Lisa, the bag was a gift for a friend of mine...

Regarding the orchid, I think I had to wait for about 5 years... I did not even remember which color it was. And it is opening one bud after the other, very slowly, making sure I notice :-)

For those who might like to see them, here are some pictures from Sunday show:
N.1, N.2, N.3, N.4

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Bag finished

Most embroidery pattern were taken from the book Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches by Carole Samples

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After years of waiting comes the reward:



Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Knitting, answers

Once again, I did not expect so many comments :-) Thank you so much, ladies.

Fifiquilter, I went to you blog, but it is empty? Is it new?
Muriel, tu exagères d'utiliser la langue des signes ici :-)))
Gattina, I never thought I looked like a politician. I don't think I'd have any chance, too old, too fat, love deep cleeverages, grumpy, etc... :-)
Thank you Pat, Tirane.
Penny, the pattern is very easy but I find it so difficult to translate. I just don't catch the American knitting explanations or English ones. Not to mention the size of the needles. But I must find a way out because I saw some wonderful pattern I'd like to do. Once I understand, I'll tell you how to do this one.
Sequana, I'm usually far too serious. I am also shy. I was only making faces because I hate beeing photographed. BTW, I don't like the TIF palette either, but that's what challenges are about, going further :-).
Nikkipolani, nice to meet you there too.
Annica, hope you'll more of me someday.
Magpie and Lisa, did I tell you the name of the color? It is Merlot. I think it is a wine ?

Now I'm going to a rehearsal of belly dancing for our show on Sunday... oh Dear, another great adventure... And after the rehearsal of tonight, we are supposed to go out and eat a couscous...

Monday, January 14, 2008

Misc.

First of all, I want to thank you all for your kind comments on my lavender piece. It is so rewarding and a great incentive to do my best. Knowing that you are watching, I don't hesitate to undo and redo when needed, whereas I would have left it as it was one year ago.
Moreover, I live alone, and knowing you are here makes my day too. It would be much harder without you...
You have requested this picture, here it is, taken this very morning at the office. Now I'm on my way to your blogs, for some eyecandies...
Have a nice week!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

knitting, continued

I did not expect comments on the jacket and was quite thrilled to read you!
I've tried to take a picture of myself modeling it, but could not get any decent one.

There has been talks about fast craft vs slow craft. I would say I do quick craft. I mean, size and time required are two of my main criteria. This applies to this jacket. The needles are big, the pattern is easy. I only have the pleasure of knitting, without the piece turning into an UFO. I would not say it is fast knitting though, because I take the time to do it properly.
In the same spirit, my TIF is a postcard, but with time spent on the embroidery.

For those of you worried about the cats, this picture was taken this morning. The third one was under the bed...
and I have some problems ending this post, Choupette is resting half on my knees, half on the keyboard...

TIF - finished piece

Here is the finished piece, with lavender and olive trees, for the TIF challenge.

GTS


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Please meet my spider amaryllis.


Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Finished!

The pieces of wool the cats loved so much have turned into: I like it a lot, it is light to wear and so warm... and was so quick to knit.
I must go to Marseille in a near future. I might go back to that shop...

Sunday, January 6, 2008

GTS





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It has been raining for the last 4 days, and this morning offers a rare pleasure in the garden: drops of rain on the plants.




I wish you all a great weekend!
Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.

TIF and misc.

Thank you Annica, Muum and Kylee for the comments on the socks. They were easy to make, and rather quick considering the size of the needles:-). As the yarn is variegated, it is a constant surprise.
I've been working on the TIF, developping the idea of lavender and olive trees. I will use a mix of machine and hand embroidery. Here is the first part, with the machine embroidery done. Now I have to populate the trees by hand.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Knitting and sane patchwork

Remember those yarns? The blueish one has turned into:
I have suscribed to QuiltWow. In the December issue, there is a workshop by Jill Packer. I found it was a good opportunity to do some sane patchwork. I happened to have the required fabrics in my stash, and there it is, almost the exact copy of Jill's.
As it is a dark, gray and rainy day here, it brings the required light in my room :-)
Have a nice weekend all.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

TIF

Sharon has launched her new challenge for 2008.

We are going to Take It Futher.

This month, IT is either a concept, i.e. a person we admire, or a colors palette:
Since I'm not presently in an admiring mood ;-), I'll try the colors palette.
Even that did not seem easy, until I realized they were the colors of olive tree, olives and lavender, i.e. the color of where I live.
So I gathered all the fabrics and threads I could find that would meet the palette, browsed through pictures of Provence, revisited some books and magazines. The idea is not completely clear yet, but not very far. I think it will evolve this weekend.
Anyway, it is nice to see many blogs already reporting on TIF, and taking each a different direction.
Have anice evening all!