Monday, November 21, 2016

Pretty Things

Look, I know it's a busy holiday week for a lot of my readers, and that includes me as well; our son Sam arrived home yesterday, while Allie will be here tomorrow, so blogging is taking a backseat for now.  But I wanted to share with you a few pretty things, just because.

First up is this votive candle vessel that my mom made:
She blended silk fabrics to create this - I've got a glass votive candle holder sitting it it, although it's illuminated by the sun shining through for this picture.

Next is this artsy bowl, also made by my mom:
I set it in this spot to get the sunlight streaming on it for the picture, but normally it resides on my fireplace mantle, next to the copper bowl that I brought back from Santa Fe last year.  I love how they looks so nice together, when she just made it using colors she liked...it just happened to go perfectly with my copper bowl.

My mom likes to play with fiber, and sends me pictures of what she's working on, and sometimes I get to claim certain items.  These pieces are really striking - I'd much rather have original, handmade art in my house than something random from a chain store, so it's especially nice that my mom is artistic and shares the wealth with me.

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The next pretty thing is a pair of socks that I finished - I loved these so much that the first day I wore them?  I kept slipping my feet out of my shoes to admire them.  That's not wrong, is it?  These were my travel socks that I brought with me to work on when I went to California last August:
Yarn is Opal Sweet and Spicy in Fruchtnougat colorway, with the toes and heels done in Cascade Heritage Solids in Charcoal.

Because I am a bit of a sock stalker on Ravelry, I'd seen some really eye-catching socks made out of Opal yarn, and was so happy when I finally found it online and in stock - I placed an order for a couple of skeins and will definitely be buying more in the future.  This colorway was so fun - it was always changing and kept my interest; these socks just made me happy to knit.  I would have finished them sooner, but I have sock ADD and had a couple of other pairs going at the same time.

Ooh, speaking of pretty things, here's a sneak peek of what I'm working on right now:
Wondering how this will knit up?  Stay tuned!

25 comments:

  1. I see where you get your talent from! Both you and your mom create some pretty things!

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  2. Pretty bowls and pretty socks. Enjoy your time with the family and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  3. I seem to remember that your grandmother was a painter? Which just means you and your mom prove that the gift of creating beautiful things runs in the family.

    How fun to have your kids home at the same time. Enjoy every minute!

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    1. Yep, my Grandmother was a very talented watercolor artist. I think the creativity gene has been greatly diluted by the time it got to me, but hey, I can appreciate art even if I can't really make it.

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  4. Wow! A post with all things fiber--you know I like that! Those silk fiber bowls are gorgeous! I have never done that--it looks like it would be fun to do. And your socks--I see why you take your shoes off to look at them! That yarn! I can't wait to see what you're going to make next! Whatever it is, it will be super fun to knit with that yarn.

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    1. My mom emailed me this morning after seeing the post saying that these were her prototypes because of mistakes. I don't see any mistakes in them!

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  5. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Shelley! I am anxiously awaiting the ginger bread house battle this year :D Hugs!

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    1. It's happening early because I don't think Sam will be able to take the time off for a Christmas visit.

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  6. Those pieces remind me of Chilhuly sculptures!

    What's the Gingerbread throwdown theme this year?

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    1. I think we are going bare bones for the throwdown theme - no extra candies? Maybe...there's still time for another trip to the store.

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  7. Your mom made some gorgeous pieces!! How fun to have a creative mama. The only thing my mom makes is jelly. Jars and jars of jelly - my toast will never be naked again!

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  8. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family, Shelley!

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  9. love the socks. Mine still aren't done. I love how you added the accented heel and toe. Next time.

    I see you get your creative talent from your mom.

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    1. I like doing the heels and toes in a contrast color, but it does add extra ends to weave in.

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  10. Love all the pretty stuff - the sock monkey baby stuff was just TOO dang cute!! It is fun that you can make gifts for your mom and she treats you with her art, too. Have a very happy Thanksgiving with the fam, Shelley!

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    1. Thanks - I loved that sock monkey hat so much! And yes, it's nice that my mom and I are able to swap back and forth with artsy gifts.

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  11. You and your mom are both so talented!!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family!!!

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  12. Gosh, I can't wait to see what you are making with that gorgeous yarn!

    Your mom's creations are beautiful! Was she always in to that, or is it a recent thing? Creativity must run in your family!

    Hope you have a great Thanksgiving - how great that both kids will be home!!!

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  13. The colors of your yarn always make me happy.

    How nice for you and Jeff to have both your children home for Thanksgiving. Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.

    Does this also mean the gingerbread house competition is taking place this weekend?

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  14. WOW! Does your mom have a shop or any sales sites?

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