Friday 16 September 2011

Studio Time

After a busy week of appointments, I carved out a bit of studio time for myself this morning. I'm gearing up for a full weekend with the family, so it was nice to spend some quiet time, picking away on a few little creative projects and puttering a bit.

I've been tinkering with a few ideas this week. I managed to get started on a fall-themed banner for our dining room. It is still a work in progress, but it will say "THANKFUL" when complete. Once again, I found myself digging through that rug hooking wool stash of mine. I'm pleased that I scrounged up enough scraps to create the project from existing materials. I like using bits of fabric that appear in other areas of our lives - the apple fabric from Chi-Chi and Muffy's aprons, the old yellow sheeting from a grocery bag project, the hens and chicks print from the boys' quilts. It seems to tie all aspects of our family life together.

I've had rainbows on my mind lately, thanks to Muffy's rainbow/hose science experiment this week. I dropped by The Loop on Barrington Street in Halifax yesterday. I was in the city for an appointment, and decided to treat myself to a bit of wool. I picked up a some lovely raw fleece in a rainbow of colors. I'm hoping to make some felted acorns very soon!

Last night I found my hands feeling restless, and in need of a quick, mindless little project. I've been wanting to make a set of rainbow gnomes for the boys for quite a long time. Once again, I was so happy to have all the necessary materials on hand. It was a great use of leftover yarn scraps. I was able to crochet the little suits quite quickly and easily. I love quick little projects like this and find them so satisfying. This morning I topped each gnome off with an acorn cap. My husband laughed when he saw them! He commented thatthey look like they're wearing French berets! I guess this is appropriate since the boys are learning French. They can practise their French colors with them! I may give them to Muffy for his birthday, or I may just pull them out as a fun surprise to brighten up a rainy day.

I also crocheted a cuddly rainbow ball for a friend's baby. I have not made one of these balls in a very long time. They are really ideal for toddlers as they are easy to grasp and so warm and soft. A great quick and easy project to satisfy a creative urge.

Anyone else feeling creative these days? Maybe there is something in that fall air (:

4 comments:

Anastasia Akasha Kaur said...

Wow, you've been busy! It must be nice to have sometime to devote yourself wholeheartedly to these activities now that the boys are at school! Love the gnomes, it seems we've both been up to acorn activity!

Madame Melville said...

Ah, it is bittersweet to have some time to myself. I miss my little monkeys....but yes it certainly is nice to have a bit of quiet. I will have to check out your acorn activity!

Mara said...

Very nice idea with the acorns, My daughter was collecting acorns the other day and I was thinking on something to do with them, this are very good ideas.

Madame Melville said...

Hi Mara,

Thanks for the note. These were definitely a fun use for acorns! You could also use felt for the clothing, but I just happened to have lots of yarn on hand. I'm so into acorn crafts right now!