Purling Oaks

Progress Report Tuesday

I spent a little time with the Spring Enticement Shawl on Monday.  Here is an almost current view as well as what the yarn cake looks like after one of my cats (yet to be determined) did some treasure hunting.  The yarn draws fairly well so I'm not going to try to rewind the cake unless there is a major snarl.

More Craftiness

Believe it or not, this needle punch project was purchased and started in mid-2007, if not earlier.  I guess I had a think for squirrels then and didn't recognize it.  Not really.  Actually, I share a love of oaks with the furry little rodents animals so they are constantly part of my environment.

Here is what the project will look like.

Here's the reverse side, which is the side you work "on" with the needle,

and here is the side that will be the finished side.  I'm using a frame that is sort of a mini rug hooking frame that sits in my lap.  That way, I don't have to hold the embroidery hoop while I punch the fabric.  It holds the fabric taut, which is important, and my arm doesn't get tense from holding my hand closed around the hoop for a long period of time.  I also find that I don't stab myself at all with this frame.....previously, stabbing was a very likely occurrence.   I've filled in a bit more than is pictured here but not enough to warrant another photo.  Thanks for the nudge, Stacey.  Now, I have more blog material.

Gathering of materials

On Saturday, I made my trip into Madison and hit the pet store to replace the broken cat litter shovel (don't ask). Then I continuted on to Lakeside Fibers. I found a nice US 11 circular and *ahem* brought home a few other items, since I'm certainly not one to waste a trip out of the house, Cookie. I found two books by Lily Chin. A few more hanks of Cascade 220 made there way into my stash for mittens and weaving materials.

Finishing has been occuring more often at my house in the past year or two. Since it is Autumn, I thought it high time to finish this little needlepunch project. It is my first (almost) finished needlepunch and I love the texture of the project. I found a frame at Michael's yesterday that will contribute to the finishing of this project. The background came from my stash of quilting fabrics. *g*