Vest is Traveling

I sent off my vest to Kathy on Monday. I was giving her a few days off from her fun times in Asheville, NC before starting on a new project. I can't wait to see what will be done to it.

Shawl on its Way!

I sent my shawl to Pat earlier in the week, but failed to take a "before" picture! It's a well-loved black pashmina, and in my journal, I shared the story of what it means to me. I'm so excited to see how you all make it even more special.

A friend of mine from my days in Albuquerque sent me a Colcha kit. Colcha is a traditional Spanish/New Mexican embroidery, and I'm excited to work on the kit and apply what I learn to some of the beautiful pieces I'll be embroidering.

It's been a hot few days here in the woods of CT, but Neal and I finally broke down and bought a little air conditioner...which means I will be nice and cool as I craft!

xx,

Beverly

Ready, Freddy!

I loved making this sweater. Just a simple, top down cardigan in Pear Tree wool. It started to have a very camouflage-y, woodland feeling and so I gave it a hunter's orange button band and wood buttons. But then it rested in my closet...unworn, kind of unloved. Until now.

It needs a little more woodland charm, don't you think? It could use elbow patches, a "belongs to" label, maybe a care instructions label...a squirrel or two? I'll leave the rest up to you.

I encourage you to use your imaginations and creativity. I'm going to love what you create.

Ms. Postal Carrier? Can you come by on Saturday?

Let the Fun Begin

Here is my completed journal which is now packed with my shawl and has started it's journey to Barb. I can't wait to see what develops both on my shawl and in this journal. On another note, I received my first item to embellish...a beautiful circular shawl from Linda....I have been pondering ideas, and although I have a few small ones, I still haven't had my Ahhhh Haahhh!!! moment yet. I know it's there so maybe I just need a good dose of fresh air and a little shopping during the Quilt Shop Hop this weekend. Nothing says inpiration more than shopping for yarn, threads, and fabric. Have a happy and fun weekend. dawn

Sweater or Shawl ???

Well Bees I finally decided on sending a Shawl. Most of the time its just to hot in Arizona for a Sweater... but a Shawl. I can take it to the Movies, Restaurant just whereever the AC is a wee bit to cold. Its nothing fancy just a plain black HDC blank canvas for you all to "embellish" to your hearts content.

My boring cardigan is on the way!

My sweater began its travels this morning... I can't wait to see how it turns out! I'm envisioning this boring old red cardigan will return to me as a tribute to all things sock monkey :)

As you can see, the sweater is bland and needs help - sock monkey faces (appliqued, embroidered, needle felted, etc.), and perhaps fun words that make us smile - words like giggle, grin, fun, monkey business, smile, happy, etc. - and perhaps each of your names as well.

And those embroidered flowers you can barely see at the bottom? Feel free to cover those up, or embellish them with bright colors, so they can at least be noticed!

I know you will all make this a work of art that I will treasure forever.

The Vest is Ready to Fly!

 
 
Here is my creation, a vest from Knitter's Magazine Winter 2005. I added an additional band around the bottom as the bamboo yarn is very drapey and the vest needed some additional stability. I can't wait to see what everyone is going to do.

Which of these two will fly?

Our dear Packrat is pondering...should she send this green cashmere into our hands for sweater surgery and other surprises?

OR...

Rust colored cardigan?

Ready To Go

Gramma, are you ready?

Ideas

 
I love the embroidery on this sweater. Well, I love the sweater too! I hope you don't mind something like this on your sweater or shawl somewhere?

My Sweater

 
I am working as quickly as I can to finish my sweater vest for its travels around the country. I am using a bamboo yarn so that it can be worn year-round. I had a store bought sweater, but it just didn't have the weight for all
of the handwork that will be applied. I still need to work on the travel journal. I love all of the creative minds that have chosen to participate in this adventure. Something one of a kind like we are doing is priceless, so I wanted the sweater to also be one of a kind.

What will you ADD? How will it change my humble sweater? Let's see: I could use elbow pads, a name tag, care instructions...perhaps a corsage? What would you LIKE your project to return with? Do tell...

uh oh, I'm downstream from you, B...

(Here are my small attempts to embroider on knit stitches,
I'd better practice before I get your sweater!)

A little detour...and crewel work!

Isn't this beautiful crewel work?  I found the picture on Flickr, and just love the twisting stylized flowers and vines.  These are the kinds of designs I'd love to see on my sweater, though the stitches themselves might have to be bigger to accommodate the more open weave of the knitted fabric.  Has anyone else tried crewel work on knitted fabric before?

These are a couple of pieces I've done on handknit sweaters, and I love how they turned out.  I drew my design out first on paper, and then just started freehand stitching onto the sweater.  This would be easier if there were a way of drawing a design onto the sweater itself to stitch around, but I haven't found a way to do this.  Anyone have any ideas?  Since these are both wool sweaters, I used 100% crewel wool from Renaissnace Dyeing, which has a gorgeous selection of hand-dyed wools.  And they sell yarn too:)  (It's a tempting place).

This is the sweater (*I think*) that will be making its way around the States, just as soon as I fix the raglan shaping!  I was almost finished when it became apparent that the pattern is wrong; and it must be ripped back.  I am starting the yoke fresh, and am hoping to have it finished and blocked by the weekend!

What are you all pondering for your traveling sweater?

My shawl is finally ready and awaiting a place to go. The knitting part has been done for a few years, but I have only worn it a few times...why.....well...it is kind of blah... I just finished adding a fabric edge along the inside, which I have to say has brought a little life into it, but it is still needing a little TLC from all my friends. So get your thinking caps on ladies, I'm looking for some fun woodland flora and fauna to spice up the outside edges. xoxoxo

"Have Sweater, Will Travel" is a project amongst a handful of crafty friends...each will send out a knitted garment, which will be embellished by their hosts...plus maybe sharing a giggle or two while visiting around the country. We will share some adventures right here... please stay tuned...

"Fly Away but Please Come Back Home..."

I loved those words from the last post so much, I had to take an image to pair with them! ( it reminds me of many tearful yet hopeful farewells.)

While we prepare our garments to send away, please share some photos of what you're working on to send off...choices of what you might...or maybe some beloved clothing that was made for you:) xoxo