photo by Gwen Blakely Kinsler used with permission

The combination of weaving and embroidery is dazzling.

When I saw the photo of the embroidered doll figure in among the spectacular flowers, I was intrigued.

This enigmatic little figure makes me wonder: Is she a Day of the Dead figure? Is that a skull or just an elegantly simplified face?

Is that skirt a spider’s web?

And, where is her other arm?

Anyhow, I knew that I just had to share Gwen’s article with you…. the colors and textures and patterns  of the handmade dresses and garments in her collection are just so inspiring.

Here’s the link to the Pieceworks article: Textile Traditions.

Enjoy.

Post from: Hankering for Yarn

with my potholder loom, yarn  and stuff in a project bag .

photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright

As we rolled down the road, I was not happy to discover that I had left my weaving hook at home. Oh rats! That would mean ~no weaving~ for me.

No no no  no no no!

Luckily, I had an extra chopstick, so I knew I would be able to carve another weaving hook by upcycling the chopstick into a weaving hook.

When we got to the grocery store, my husband loaned me his pocket knife (mine was too dull to be safe to work with) and offered to go get the groceries so I could carve the hook…. what a sweetheart!

He went and got the groceries, and I rummaged around until I found a nail file and a little rock. That gave me all the tools  I needed to carve the hook.

I had my camera with me, and snapped pics as I carved, as I knew that this would be fun to share on hankering for yarn.

By the time he had bought the groceries, I had carved the hook. I was such a happy camper! Bless his heart!

So, here you have it: How to carve a handmade weaving hook from a chopstick – a fun bit of upcycling and DIY!

AND please remember: NEVER  work with a dull knife, and DON’T EVER point the knife towards your hands, fingers, or leg when carving or whittling. Always take tiny little slivery flakes off, and work slowly and carefully, nipping of the tiniest bits possible.

Post from: Hankering for Yarn