Mod Table Runner: Anniversary Give Away

 

The finished table runner.

 

The back side.

 

One end of the runner showing machine-stitched border.

 

The other end of the runner.
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I've been doing a lot of silk or cotton gauze nuno felting lately...

...because it provides a firm, yet pliable base for my felting.

It also allows for a thinner wool lay-out...

...and I just love the way the cotton scrim (open-weave gauze) ruches up after felting!

This runner measures 13 inches by 29 inches...

...and with any luck, it will be just the right size for an occasional table or the center of your dining table.

If you'd like a chance to win it for your home...

...please leave a comment on this post before Monday, October 18th at noon (EST).
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P.S.

My friend Cameron...

...is having a give away this week, too!

She makes beautiful felted garments...

...and is giving away some wonderful lace and one (as yet unnamed) felted creation.

Check it out!

One Year Blog-GIVE-Versary Table Runner

 

Beautiful variegated roving from my friend, Ellen.

 

White wool roving laid out on top of cotton scrim with pencil roving outline.

 

Wool roving filling in the outline.

 

The addition of a second line of pencil roving.

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I can hardly believe it...

...but October 18th will be my 1 year blog anniversary!!

I'm celebrating the occasion by having a give-away...

...and one of you sweet readers will win a modernist table runner in teal, pale green, aqua and brown.

I've had such an amazing year...

...and it has everything to do with you, dear readers!

I want to thank you all for your friendship, your kind comments...

...your loving encouragement, gifts and helpful tips!

I'll have photos of the finished table runner on Friday's blog post...

...at which time you can leave a comment if you'd like a chance to win it.

On Monday afternoon, I'll randomly choose one comment...

...and post the winner's name.

Good luck!

'Wool Ribbon' Pillow Cover - Part Deux

 

After trimming the pillow cover square with my rotary cutter.

 

Sewing the inner line of stitching to make a flange.

 

Check out the amazing Heather Ross riding accoutrements fabric!

 

Looks a lot better, doesn't it? :)

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I know that some of you had your doubts...

...after seeing the felted pillow cover from my last post!

My bf, J, wasn't so sure how well this one would come out, either...

...but look what a difference a little judicious trimming makes!!

I really love the fabric that I used for the back of the pillow...

...like Barbie clothing for a tiny horse enthusiast!

I hope you're not getting too tired of pillow covers, though...

...since they are my 'Christmas gifts de l'annee'...

...and you'll be seeing a few more of these as time goes on! :)

'Wool Ribbon' Pillow Cover- Part One

 

Variegated batts (some made from wool sent to me by a friend in Chile!)

 

Wool ribbons laid out in a geometric pattern.

 

White and natural flax fibers laid out over the wool.

 

The finished piece...prior to trimming.

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Last Fall, I bought some beautiful wool roving at a Sheep and Wool Festival...

...unfortunately, when I got it home, I realized that it was very ribbon-like and nearly impossible to lay out or card. :(

I really love the warm red and pumpkin orange colors, though...

...so I resolved to find a way to use it somehow.

Since teasing fibers apart from the hank wasn't possible...

...I decided to cut and lay out the fiber chunks, as is.

It seemed to me that a geometric pattern would work best for this...

...so I designed a lay-out which resembles a quilt block.

You'll be shocked to see the difference in this project after trimming...

...so stay tuned for Part Two (next time) for the big reveal!! Giggle.

"Silk Bits" Pillow Cover-Part Two

 

Pinning the first piece of hemmed fabric to the back of the felt square.

 

The fully backed pillow cover sewn with a one-inch border.

 

Finished pillow with insert.

 

Pillow back.
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I find that it takes a lot of time...

...to choose the proper fabric for the backs of my pillow covers.

When I've made pillows with resists, and merely had to cut a slit and stuff them...

...I haven't been confronted with this element of design!

I cut two fabric pieces so they would be long enough to overlap...

...then made small hems on each side and sewed them to the pillow back.

I sewed the fabric pieces very near to the felt edge to hold them tight...

...then sewed a second seam about one-inch in from each edge, making a flange.

The pillow form fits very snugly inside the cover now...

...with no appreciable gapping on the pillow back.

"Silk Bits" Pillow Cover- Part One

 

 

 

 

While I was 'home' in Cleveland in August...

...I got to visit my oldest and dearest friend in the world, D.

She works as a volunteer in a thrift store which benefits cancer patients...

...so of course we had to go and check it out!!

I found a treasure trove of silk and linen blouses there...

...and all at a great Summer discount!

When I got home, I popped them into the washer and dryer...

...cut them away from their interfacings and fasteners, and into sections.
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For this pillow cover, I chose two companionable pieces of silk...

...plus some of the batts that I had left over from making my flower power scarf.

I really love these silk pieces...

...one hightly textured and the other, a terrific print.

(Too bad the blouses weren't in my size, or I would have worn them, instead!!)
I anchored the silk pieces with wisps of merino top...

...and added 'smoke rings' of merino wool here and there for interest.

When it was felted, rinsed and dried...

...I used my rotary cutter and mat to square it up.

Next time...Part Two!

P.S. My one year blog anniversary is coming up later this month...

...so be on the lookout for a blog-'give'-versary giveaway!!!

Soup Recipe and Felting Studio "Tweaks"

 

 

 

 

My dear friend, J, prepared some soup the other weekend when I visited...

...and boy, was it delicious!!

I can't claim that it's low-fat or anything...

...and in fact, I changed the heavy cream in her recipe to half and half when I made it!!

I like it, because it's easy and doesn't have a lot of unusual ingredients...

...yet it's exceptionally flavorful and elegant...good for a dinner party!

Fall Tomato Bisque
(makes 5 servings)

6 sticks of celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 ounces (1/4 cup)butter
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes with juice
large handful basil leaves, coarsely chopped
2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp sugar
1 and 1/2 cups half and half

In a large saucepan, saute celery, onion and red pepper in butter until tender.

Add tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in chopped basil (reserving a few pieces for garnish)
and cool slightly.

Transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree.

Stir the pureed soup and half and half back into the soup in the pan and heat thoroughly.
(Do not boil)
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I had been wanting to 'glam up' my new felting studio for a while, now...

...since I had mainly been concentrating on its functionality, not its looks! :)

I found some great adhesive wall hooks (3M Brand 'Command')...

...and since I didn't have to drill any holes in the walls...

...I can move them around at will, if I change my mind!

I thought it would be fun to have an ever-changing display of felt for inspiration...

...so I began by hanging two of my own scarves, plus a fabulous orange 'squid scarf' that was made for me by my boyfriend (and newbie felter), J.