I have little scraps of yarn everywhere. I have to admit my studio stays pretty messy. I really try and tidy up when I start a new project but unfortunately it doesn't stay that way very long. Which I guess isn't horrible because, I'm always creating something in there. I have so many yarn scraps left over from my weavings that I hate to throw them out so I started using them for my latch hook art. Latch hook sample using scrap yarn from weavings. I have a ton of embroidery hoops that I've sourced from thrift stores and estate sales. I usually use them for my embroidery or punch needle art, but thought they would be perfect for this piece. First, lay your fabric over your embroidery hook and make sure you have about 1.5-2" extra for finishing. Next attach the canvas to the hoop as you would if you were doing an embroidery piece. Tighten the screw at the top of the hoop and make sure to tighten that screw now and then because you want the canvas nice an...

My current reads are all about fiber art. I bought a couple magazines and picked up some books at the library recently. I've spent the last few days pouring over all the new techniques I want to learn and freshening up on the ones I'm currently using. When I was in Columbus a few weeks ago, visiting my youngest at The Ohio State University, I purchased a couple issues of Koel magazine at  Yarn It & Haberdashery , a cute little yarn shop. What I love about Koel magazine , first it's a beautifully designed magazine, and second it's filled with artist profiles and techniques. The magazine and website have patterns for macrame, weaving, punch needle and so much more. You can also buy hand spun yarn on their site. As you can see on my Instagram account , I started doing punch needle embroidery a couple of months ago and I am so hooked. It's an easy craft to learn, travel with and perfect while binging your favorite show on Netflix. I picked up Pun...

I picked up my first Enid Collins handbag outside New Orleans many years ago at a huge antique warehouse on Jefferson Highway. I don't think I knew what I had found at the time or that I would collect a few more over the years. My collection of Enid Collins purses Enid Collins was from Medina, Texas and began designing her bags in 1959. She primarily made bucket bags out of canvas or wood box purses. Her bags are signed with an "EC" or "c". She also named many of her bags, which usually appear on the outside of the purse. Enid Collins made hundreds of purses in the 60s but sold her business to Tandy Leather Corporation in 1970. Name detail of Enid Collins purses Her purses were adorned with paint, rhinestones, sequins and other jewels and embellishments. Because they are vintage, you may find a couple of missing jewels or possibly the ric rac trim has come loose, nothing that a little glue will fix. Detail of interior of Enid Collin...

A little still life of a few of my favorite things. I started collecting vintage tennis rackets a few years back. I had completely forgotten about them until I came across a stack of rackets in my basement, which I like to call the black hole. Instead of tossing or selling them, I thought the rackets would be perfect for weavings. I hate to admit that I have this habit of holding onto things a little too long, because I know deep down I will find a use for it some day. I can't tell you how many fun things that are down in that basement, I'm like a kid walking into a candy shop every time I go down there, well maybe not that excited. I usually have to trip over the litter boxes and laundry that needs to be done in order to get to the treasured storage area. Sometimes it's a bit overwhelming but when I find that special something it's well worth it. Okay back to the topic of the blog, the reason why I decided on the tennis rackets, is that I'm always looki...

Do you remember those crazy latch hook kits you got when you were a kid, of course maybe I'm aging myself, I grew up in the 70s, so latch hook kits and those velvet marker kits were a big thing. Latch hooking has actually made a comeback in the last few years. Kits are still being sold at your local craft stores or online but there is not a lot of variety in design. Basically the kits still consist of puppies, kittens and landscapes, oh and butterflies. Although these styles may be popular with some, it really doesn't go with my eclectic style. So, I started creating abstract designs and creating my own patterns. Here is a list of supplies to get started: yarn latch hook canvas latch hook scissors latch hook binding design/graphic YARN The yarn typically used for latch hooking comes in precut bunches. I sometimes find these at my local thrift store for 50¢ to 99¢. Or you can buy larger quantities from Ebay. You can really use any type of yarn, y...

Being new to weaving and may I add self taught, I have had my share of fails. Whether it was pulling my yarn too tight or totally missing a warp thread and only noticing it after I had done many, many rows of plain weave. And then there's the multiple times I've used Adobe Illustrator to design an abstract design only to realize it really didn't work as a weaving or I needed to do a bit more practice weaves before beginning the final weave. I write this post after a stressful night's sleep of trying to figure out how to get my weavings out there, to a broader audience and make some sales, so I can buy more yarn, oh I mean pay some bills. It probably stems from scrolling thru too many posts on Instagram of beautifully staged photographs of weavers and their weaving and honestly playing the comparison game. Instagram (and other social media) can be very overwhelming. Anyone who posts regularly knows it takes a lot to set up a shot, the lighting has to be just right ...

My sister Kate and I took a road trip to Columbus last fall, to visit my son, August, who is a sophomore at The Ohio State University. We explored new neighborhoods and revisited old favorites. Here are some must sees: Small Talk  is one of my favorite boutiques in Columbus. They carry ethically made apparel and accessories and home decor and goods. May I add some of the best candles! The owners are  so nice  and I stop by for visit whenever I'm in town. photo credit Small Talk The Crest Gastropub is in Clintonville and has a great selection of beers on draft and might I say a pretty good Moscow Mule. It's great for dinner or just drinks and apps. Katalina's  is a great breakfast/lunch spot. It's the home of the Original Pancake Ball™. It's a great spot to eat outside because of all the picnic tables and you can draw all over them. Kai's Crab Boil   is in a strip mall and is southeast of the airport, about ...