Ready for the Rest of Winter

December 13, 2014 / Andrea / Leave a comment

I am set to be creative this winter. I have my needles, yarn, crochet thread, beads, hooks, instruction books and kits.

New this winter: bead knitting, beaded knitting (there is a difference), making cowls, knitting socks, slippers, and crocheting a table runner. Yes, I will macrame also.

It may have taken two months to get the hang of knitting with beads, but I am really enjoying it. It is so much fun watching the article form and become something small and beautiful.

I finished the body of a gray/silver bead pouch, but I am waiting to finish a couple different colored ones before adding the neck and fringe. I have just separated all the decorative beads that I have and I will be able to create a pretty pattern for them later.

I will show and tell more later. Thanks for stopping by.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Something New Update

November 28, 2014November 28, 2014 / Andrea / Leave a comment

I am so happy to share this beaded knit pouch necklace project called The Paulette by Nancy Alison. I first met Nancy in the beginning of September and then purposely looked for her two weeks later at another craft fair.I was able to ask her many questions and look over the finished items on sale. Nancy works in knitting and crochet; I liked all the knitted patterns best, but have not knit anything for many years.

The crochet designs I recognized the technique, but did not want my first project to be a beaded item in a swirl pattern. I decided to purchase this knit kit and give it a try. Nancy made the whole process easy with this complete kit; she includes everything, even the needles.

Needless to say, I started and restarted this pattern over two dozen times. Mainly because I had not knit in so long, but also I had never knit anything so small before and of course I chose black to make it even easier.

With the help of my avid knitting sister Karen, I got the body complete in two days.

The directions were so clear and helpful; the next morning the fringe and necklace were added.

I still have my gold beaded creation to finish, then I will start another couple in this pattern as gifts.

Look for Nancy Alison’s website link on the right side of this web page for other patterns and styles.

Macrame Busy-ness

July 22, 2012 / Andrea / 1 Comment

This is how I spent my weekend.
About a week ago, I drew up the sheets showing what I have in available stock. I then made out a list of items that need filling for up coming craft shows.
According to my figures, I would like to create 12 additional purses before the end of August. Here is the start of that dozen and I am pretty pleased with them.

This first one was originally going to be my own personal one. It is a 12″ flex frame made with tan, black and ivory 6mm macrame cord. I have been putting this one off for so long; mostly because I have an 8″ and a 17″ flex frame already.
There is nothing worse then working on something for yourself when you have an extensive plan in the works.

Here is another 12″ flex frame purse; I only have one in stock and these are very popular. They are just the right size for the average women’s personal items.
This one is eggplant on the sides and strap with a center panel of black and white. This and the last one have a 22″ strap length, perfect rest at the hip.

This purse is 14″ and is a clutch or handbag, there is not a strap. I am really happy with the bead and two-tone brown patten.
A great fall into winter purse, it can be used for any occasion.

As you can see these purses are not finished. They are at the set up stage.
I have a few different stages that purses can be at. First there is the cut stage; where all the material is cut and hanging to be set up.
Set up is the stage where all the cut pieces are connected and the body is left to finish.
Lastly a purse will need a lining.

I like this color combination because it is the same as my 17″ flex frame, but this is 14″ in size. I have gotten so many compliments on mine that I thought that I would share a little bit.

Even though I have these to knot up into finished pieces, I just could not sit still enough to start work on the bodies.

I figured with it being the weekend, I still had about an hour to prep a couple more purses.

So here is how I ended my weekend. I cut enough 6mm cord for four more 12″ flex frames. They will be solid in color but with a pattern in the weave. When these purses are completed, the pattern will have a ribbed look.
From left to right is pearl for an oatmeal purse. Oatmeal was the color of the first Hippie Bag I made in an earlier post. The oatmeal color is made from a blend of ivory and pearl within the cord. I decided that the strap would be solid pearl with the oatmeal body.
The next color is forest green. Next is the color wine and the last is mauve.
You can be sure that I will be showing you each one as they are finished. For now I am satisfied with a great start.
Until net time,
be creative.

More Hippie Bags

July 16, 2012 / Andrea / 3 Comments

Here are a couple more Hippie Bags.

I have a brown blend and a black with white middle panel. My brown tones has 8 wooden beads knotted into the strap and front flap. The brass owl pendant adds a bit of fun.

The black and white has 4 beads in the strap and 8 shiny metal beads in the front flap to catch the sunshine.

Both have 21-22 inch should straps that allow the purse to rest at the hip. These are great for the essentials; iPod, phone, keys, cards and ID. The two inside pockets (one on each side) adding a bit of divide and conquer.

With the Riverwalk Art Fair coming up in a months time, I hope to be able to put together one more like these in a light tone. Our weather here in Wisconsin has been hot, hot, hot and no rain in sight. Time enough to get some indoor projects completed.

What are you working on and how’s the weather by you?

Until next time remember to

be creative!

Macrame Hippie Bag

June 6, 2012June 23, 2015 / Andrea / 4 Comments

I am enjoying this design for a couple of reasons.
The first reason is that I was asked to make it for someone. This was a special order from Deanna, who knew exactly what she wanted. This purse measures 8″x8″ with a 45″ shoulder strap length.

Secondly and foremost, the request enabled me to use a macrame method that I came up with myself. I have many idea books, but there is not one that gives direction for this method.

It has the same strength and durability as any other purse, but the construction is different. The idea is to create the material and then construct the object. Most patterns have you form as you assemble.

In February I featured a tote that was made to use as a diaper/day bag for a new dad. This too is made the same way. The best part about this design is you can make any size purse/tote you need.

For the next couple weeks I plan on putting together many different versions of this design by using 4mm and 6mm cord, varying widths and colors and front flap designs. I am going for the 8″-12″ width and no longer than 10″ length.

Stop in again and see what we’re up to.

As always, be creative.

Ready to Go

January 7, 2012January 28, 2012 / Andrea / Leave a comment

Here is the finished product. I did decide on the tan liner. It has two nice size pockets, one on each side. I think the tan peeking through is a nice touch with a little more balance than just one color.

Now I can move to other projects for the year. I have one ready to start in the morning; an eight inch flex frame shoulder purse. It is just the right size for a smart phone, keys, a small wallet and sunglasses.
I’ll be working on that along with a few other items.

Until next time,
Be creative!

First Purse of the Year

January 3, 2012January 28, 2012 / Andrea / 3 Comments

This purse really took more than three days to complete. To be honest, it took over 6 months.
I started it a while back and had about half of it finished when I realized that the way I was going about it was backwards. With double half hitches (the straight line part) you can only see them on the side your working them in. If you turn the opposite side out the worked line will not be seen. To make matters worse I also had a handle flipped wrong.
Six months ago I took it apart just above the top diamonds. I had other purses started, so I left it. There never seemed enough time to finish it.
Now I told myself that with the new year, I could not start anything else until past work was complete. No problem. Yes it was. I got everything turned the correct way, but forgot to turn it out again when it came to the bottom. The last 3 inches needed taking apart and reworked.
I was thinking of leaving it again, but decided to get this done.
I did and I am enjoying the look of it. The finished size is 8″ wide and 10″ high from the opening to the bottom of the purse. The handles are 8″ wide and are made of wood, as are the beads. I have made special notations in the pattern so these set backs will not happen again. Now I just need to decide what color material I will use to line it. With the open middle on both sides you could try matching the cord of the purse or do something very different as an accent.
I have picked three colors from my fabric stash; black, beige or light raspberry. The black would not jump at you but the raspberry would really stand out. I am thinking the tan would complement the handle and beads. With the bottom row of double half hitches, the bottom has a unique look to it.