Qw_bowl.bmp (147k file)

Okay. I got myself intrigued by the idea. And I just happened to buy out a neighbors stash of commercial wool yarn and the two got together and came up with this lazy weaver’s version! lol I used the Quilt Weaver set, tho i had to add Tiny Weaver squares in the end also. It felted up pretty small with this wool. The finished “bowl” is 4″ high and 8″ rim to rim across the top. But I am pleased with it all in all! It was suggested that it looked like a hat and it does but I think the 14″ set would have to be used for that. At least with this yarn. I did go dig out a new set of colors, determined to try the tiny Weaver version along with several other weavers who’ve expressed interest in trying this! It may take me forever to get this one done. It’ll need to go to the bottom of the list of on-going projects! :laugh:

I found a few more Troll dolls in the course of my spring cleaning. This little guy was in need of clothing so here he is in his knitted garment. If there’s a will there’s a way! But that was just breaktime. I really have been working today. 😛
It was sunny here and 75 degree warm! Beautiful! 😀

It looks like it might be a hat but it’s sewn to a piece of black velvet with some darts in it. It has been taken apart so it could be anything. The long tube beads are fragile and some have broken. These pieces have both hand and machine stitching. The elderly lady could not seem to remember anything about it except that she once wore it. She didn’t know what became of the rest of it, either.
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A Post Script: I think we have pretty much eliminated Japan as the source of this beadwork but I am still hunting for another. Most people seem to think it’s American Indian but I have not located which group, if that is the case. I still have people looking, both here and in Asia. This piece seems to have intrigued several people! I, of course, am glad of their help. Our local museum has a part-time textile conservator but I think this may be outside her field of expertise. I will certainly show it to her the next time she’s here, tho.
Thank you all for your comments,
Hazel
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This is a rather large file. The back of the vest is black velvet and it’s lined with black cotton.

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These photo’s are pop-ups so you will have to click. I was given these by the widow of a man who had business connections and friends in Japan and I think they are authentic and even perhaps old. The beading is exquisite and I would like to know something about them. I thought of donating them to the local theater group but they kind of seem like they’d be better in a museum. Anyway, I’d like to preserve this craftsmanship somehow but really know nothing about them. If you could help I’d appreciate it. There is this vest, a piece that I think was a hat, a couple of sash type things, one that looks like a bustle, a big bow on a wire and some braided cords. Oh yes, also a little pillow of red silk with tiny gold tassels on each corner.
There is also some delicate paper work with flaking gold leaf, or what I think is gold leaf.

💡 Remember those felted bowls in a recent SpinOff? I’m thinking this knitted box cover could be woven and felted the same way. Or use it unfelted over a box as this knitter did. I’ve figured the lay-out. That was tricky, had to cut and paste, but it’ll work. Anyone game to try it? Send me a photo! 😀

This is a bit “off topic” but it IS what’s been going on around here, lately. I’m minimizing. Loading up the trailer for a trip to the Good Will and finding all sorts of a “treasures” while I’m at it. This one, however, is one of Randy’s. It’s been at his Dad’s and I don’t recall where he got it, some time while working in The City ie: San Francisco and environs. It’s antique and pretty darned ugly. I’m thinking there were probably those flower looking glasses on it at one time. We’ve speculated that the bowl held fake fruit or flowers. I’m not sure what it’s made of… it’s verdigris but it may not be genuine. Anybody ever seen anything like this? I’d sure like to get some info on it. I really can’t imagine it centering my dining table, even in it’s prime, :blush: but, still… one likes to know.
As for fiber content… well, there isn’t any lately. I’m trying to get rid of stuff to make room for the stuff I have to store while we finish the “new” (it just passed it’s 1 year anniversary) room and it’s been raining and still is, which rather hampers things, and it all makes me too darned grouchy :plain: to be creative!
Hope things are brighter where you are!
P.S. It was suggested that I turn this lamp up-side down and hang it from the ceiling. Now that may be a workable idea! :laugh:

I know I haven’t been keeping up this blog very well this last couple of weeks. But today I went to a meeting in Weaverville called “From Field To Fabric” with Tracy Shapiro, a fiber historian and master weaver, spinner, etc. It was very interesting and very informative. Tracy has been helping the Trinity Historical Society sort and store their vast collection of historical costumes and fabrics. She also was kind enough to look at the two old quilts that Grandmother was throwing out as “those old blankets” and which I snaggled. Both are entirely hand made, one she said from the fabrics used was probably 1930’s and the other older, maybe 1890’s. That is it in the picture, or rather the cornmeal sack that forms the backing. Neither are in great condition and I had intended to use them as drapery in the studio but she advises against it so maybe I’ll just put them on the bunk beds.
The other thing I came away with is a cupful of cotton fiber, even a bole of the brown. With seeds! She says cotton won’t grow here (She’s from Humbolt where it’s much wetter) but I have done it before and even gotten boles so I know better. Not that it would make a commercial crop but it is cotton!
Oh yes, I also won a door prize… a box of English Toffee from a local candy maker. 🙂

I’m weaving these 14″ diamonds for a new project, inspired by a knitted pattern. This isn’t going to look much like the knitted one but that one gave me the idea. I bought this yarn at Jo-Ann’s. It was pretty cheap but I love those really big fat skeins! :laugh: I was thinking of pillows or something non-wearable but I think this is going to make a rather nice fabric. I sure like the way the diamonds look so far. I’d like this to fit me so am not sure how many of these I’ll have to weave. And…really… I don’t wear sleeveless tops anymore so maybe I’ll make it for my daughter. I think I have an idea for an entry in the Spin-Off poncho contest, too! lol It is one that would probably be called “art”. No… you’ll have to wait and see! 😎 :laugh:

Here’s something a bit more cheerful. I picked this up at a sale at Jo-Ann’s but I think LB makes one about like it. It wove up nicely on the Quilt Weaver Square and I used the end of a knitting needle to easily pull up the “flags” after. This brand, at least, is made up of three stands and the biggest problem is making sure you don’t drop one on the way though. Again, easy to fix, but annoying. It didn’t happen much and I’d use it again. Don’t know what you’d make with it. Scarves, of course, maybe a hat, cuff or collars for a bigger project. This one is for an afghan patch swap. Soft stuff… actually I can see it as a sleeveless summer top for little girl. I expect two 12″ or 14″ squares might make a little boat necked top, depending on the size of your girl. It’d be fun, anyway! 😀
Snowed here again this morning. I think we may have gotten 3″. Enough to cancel Sis’s trip down. Again. :plain: