New listings on Prim Nest

c.jblack - Lazy Hare

Hi

This month on Prim Nest I am offering two new original  "Spring is Here" ornies. These are done using punch needle and hand dyed cotton threads. The back is a hand dyed wool. I used vintage style ribbon as the ruching. Patterns will be available when I get around to them on my 101 things to do list LOL. I'll also be offering the fiber package - wool and ribbon for sale along with the paper pattern. In total there are four new ornies from my spring collection.

c.jblack - Prim Purple Posies

Enjoy the lovely spring weather  - we finally are seeing some! g'nite, Joni 

Just a relaxing week!

 So made it through my first hurricane on the Island – lots of wind and rain but thank God did not lose any power. The house shook quite a bit, but there are no trees around so didn’t have to worry about that. Everything outdoors was secured and the car parked in a sheltered place. Supplies laid in and I think I was well prepared. The ocean was wild with lots of white caps. Earl came through pretty fast and so did not last long – the brunt of it was felt in Nova Scotia.

Mama Meow copyright Warren Kimble/WoolleyDesigns

Raining right now so a perfect day to finish my Mama Meow rug. This was a fun rug to do and I can’t wait to get it bound up. I have to tweak a couple of places because they are bothering me but otherwise I am pretty happy with it. I can’t say it was my biggest at 21x30 but definitely one of them. Wait until I start on my custom pattern from Deanne Fitzpatrick – that will probably be my largest – that will definitely be a keeper. Have a spot for it all picked out.

Stopped by Deanne’s studio in Amherst, NS where I saw some of her glorious rugs. The pictures do not do them justice. Was so happy to have the opportunity to visit the shop and if you are in the area it is definitely a must! Just drool over the wool yardage selection and the wool yarn is beautiful – had to restrain myself but did pick up a kit – I am just itching to hook it. But it has to wait it’s turn.

Market Day 1809 - copyright Joni Black

Right now I’m hooking one of my original patterns called Market Day 1809. It was originally a punch needle design but a customer approached me to have it done as a rug hooking kit and I was only too happy to have her do it. So happy in fact, that I bought one of the kits from her. If interested you can contact her at hookedonthelake@kingston.net

If you are looking for the pattern you can find it on my website under Punch Needle Patterns.

Off to do some more hooking – it’s a gray day with a bit of a cool nip in the air. Just a perfectly relaxing day!
Have a great day....

Mama Meow copyright Warren Kimble/Woolley Designs

Hand Dyed Threads

Oh joy! in the mail today I received a surprise - hand dyed 3 strand cotton threads from Weeks Dye Works. I can't wait to try this on my newest punch needle design. I think this will be a kit with the newest threads in some real prim colours! Nothing like new colours to inspire you.

As you know we have been hit with a heat wave - the worse we have seen in years. So hot that it is even difficult to breathe and the air quality is not the best. On those days I go from my AC car to my AC office back to my AC car and into my AC house where I hibernate until it is over. I figure if the pup does not go out and he oves the outdoors then it makes sense for me to stay in too. Gives me time to do my most favourite thing - crafting.

The heaviness of the air calls for a light refreshing dessert while I watch the Blindside. I whipped this one together - sometimes the most simple is the most gratifying - of fresh plump blueberries layed with devon custard and sprinkled with Giradelli unsweetened cocoa. Having said that I am not giving up my decadent 4 layer chocolate truffle cake that I splurge on occasionally. A girl's got to have her vices. :)

No reading in the breezeway tonight - it will have to be indoors tonight. Have a great evening...g'nite.Joni

A Fine Day at the Games

So a wonderful couple of days for Canadians at the Olympics. Great gold game of women's hockey, an emotional skate of Joannie for the bronze, a silver for women's curling and just saw the men's 500 m short track - a gold and a bronnze and one heck of a wild finish! My gosh all these athletes put their heart and soul in all these events.. what a wonderful accomplishment for all participating athletes to even have made the Olympics..

I am so non-athletic though in my heydey I did ski - now I'm too afraid to meet those kamakasi kids on the slopes and end up with broken bones. Instead I spend my evenings doing my crafts. Well after my baby steps into trying this new method of mixed media tags I have come up with some successes. I'll post those later - have to embellish them a bit.

I did finish a punch needle - a spring design called "Hare & Tulips". The original will be for sale on March 1st at The Primitive Gathering and the pattern is available too. Loved making this one and used my hand dyed wool threads. Just seems to give the piece more of a hooked rug appearance and a softer finish to it.

Well the 5000m relay is about to start and Canada is in for the race so I am off to watch that and keep my fingers crossed - talk about a melee of skaters on the ice - unbelievably fast and wild. The craziest sport I saw this year was a new one called cross ski and cross snowbarding - 4 skiers racing down a  hill at the same time - unreal!

Ok I am off.. g'nite.. Joni

PS.. We (Canada) won the gold in the men's 5000 relay - unbelievable skate!

Here is a great link to check out all the standings and doings of the OLYMPICS.

Hearts are Forever

This month at The Primitive Gathering I have listed some Valentine pieces. I don't usually get into doing Valentine pieces but I figured hearts are an all year kind of symbol. Who does not like hearts surrounding them. They always brings a smile to your face, well mine at least. 

These are some stuffed hearts that I placed on wooden spindles purchased from an old textile mill in the US. They have been distressed and aged.

My heart stocking is based on a pattern that I made as Noel stockings. Bt this time I did a soft colour wash of pink and added some hearts cut from my hand dyed wool. The hearts are stitched on using a button hole stitch. You can find more photos on my artist site at The Primitive Gathering.

In a few days, on the 10th I will have a new punch needle pattern launching and it is all about hearts. You will get 3 new designs that I have made into little hanginging hearts. Now remember Mother's Day is coming up and Hearts are Forever. The original pieces will be for sale at Pfatt Marketplace. Here is a peek at one of the designs!

A Simple Life

It has been absolutely beautiful these past few days – we are definitely into our Indian summer. Everything seems to be late this year. I don’t think we can even consider that we had a summer and our autumn was pretty wet. So these days are much appreciated and ideal to clean up the outside of the house and prepare for the onslaught of winter. Everything has to be tucked away from the harshness of the elements.

I know people think I am crazy but I do love my winters – probably won’t when I get older but who knows with on-line ordering really why would I ever have to go out in the winter except on a nice sunny day. I love my wintry days with snow falling and the silence is unbelievable. Perfect time to be reading, rug hooking, knitting and the myriad other crafts I get involved in. Well enough of that since it will be here sooner than ever and I know you are reading this and saying is she nuts!  Especially when it looks like this.

I was talking to my brother and he asked when we were going to Vermont – that is our annual pre-Thanksgiving trip. We go the weekend before to pick up our Christmas turkey, which is so much cheaper than here at home. The point being – oh my Lord it is already the 9th and where did it all go – all that time I thought I had to knit those socks, mitts and make all those gifts I wanted to make. I keep saying I have to start earlier, well I think I need to start in July – No wonder they call it Christmas in July! So some things won’t make my list but that is ok – I have learned over the years not to delude myself into thinking I am super woman, just take everything in stride and prioritize that is my buzz word.

This past weekend I spent exploring the Quebec countryside north of us. It is amazing what you will come upon driving meandering roads through the mountains. I was on the hunt for beeswax for another project I have in mind – can you believe it for Christmas! More of that later….

I did finish not a pair of sock but only one sock – I do that knit 3 at a time and then go back to finish up the pair. This way I am not bored. I took out my punch needle (been awhile) and made a small little design which I then put on a black felted zippered purse along with some appliquéd wool. This was so much fun and I plan to make more of these using different designs. The appliqué brings back my love of quilting and playing with layers of fabric. Then of course I am into adding beads to things now – so the zipper pull has some beads hanging from it.

This one is called A Simple Life and I was not content to have a blank side staring me in the face so I proceeded to appliqué on that one also. The original and the kits are being offered for sale tomorrow on Pfatt Marketplace. I only have a limited number of kits right now.

So I have been busy and another punch needle is in the works. The framed original will be for sale and the pattern will be released at a later date. I am trying to finish up some cross stitch ornaments with beading – similar to my punch needle ones of last year which sold like hot cakes at a show I did but I have found out that cross stitch is very intensive and teeny tiny besides taking a whole lot more time to do. Whether they make it this year or not – this NOT superwoman will decide.

Off to get some craft time in…G’ nite - Joni

Where has October gone?

I can't believe it is already November. I don't know where the month has gone. Thanksgiving has come and gone here in Canada and I am into Christmas mode now. Time to do the craft fairs and see what creative things are being offered. Time to plan my gifts and get knitted ones finished. I think that this year I am ahead of the game. It is this time of the year that I also get loads of ideas but unfortunately not enough time to execute everything.

I love these felt bags that are from Nepal. They are a nice thick wool and I can think of lots of uses for them. They also make great gifts. So with that in mind I have designed a punch needle called A Simple Life and I've got step one done. Now to embellish the clutch bag with wool applique and beads and this will be offered as a kit on my redesigned website.

Yes I am going to have a new look for my website with lots of new features which I hope will make finding and buying items a lot easier. I love user friendly technology. I'll be concentrating on my first love wool and will occasionally offer some primitive items that I am dabbling in. Whenever I do decide to quit the 9-5 job I know that boredom will never darken this gal's doorstep!

Here is one of the felts bags that I did for the fall season. You can find it on Pfatt Marketplace under Fully Wooly Primitives.

Don't forget to visit http://www.theprimitivegathering.com/ where we are giving away free items. You just need to sign up for a newsletter. I have a punch needle pincushion in the draw.

Just listed some snowman rug hooking kits which make up quickly as wonderful handmade gifts! They can be found on Etsy. The link is on the left hand side. Also all the Christmas punch needle patterns have been listed.

And with all that some baking has been going on - after all the crisp days and crunch of leaves underfoot leads to longings of comfort food - one of my favourites pumpkin pie and fresh apple cake. The recipe can be found at King Arthur Flour.

So considering all the bustling that has been happening at the Black homestead I can see where the month has gone.  Good night all..Joni

Orchids and Summer's End

Oh my it has turned cold - where did the summer go -I think we had two weekends of summer weather and the rest has been pretty dismal. They say we are going to have a warm winter well that means ice. Because we are surrounded by water in a valley we have been getting more rain during the winter that turns to freezing rain. The bane of my existence. I hate the stuff - it is dangerous and every Montrealer cringes with fear at the mention of freezing rain - hearkening back to that one terrible January years ago when we had freezing rain and is forever more known as THE ICE STORM...hearts flutter in fear.

But hey it is still officially summer and my orchids are still outside and have been blooming since Spring. It is the only indoor plant I can grow can you believe it!

I am working on some special projects right now but did happen to get together a few things to sell on The Primitive Gathering on Sept,1st. Here is a sneak preview of them with the thought of Halloween just around the corner. I have already started making my Christmas gifts. We sort of informally agreed that giftgiving would be handmade stuff this year which I am only too happy to do. It can be homemade edibles or any craft item. We are all pretty crafty and love to cook so there will some really great wowers to be found under the Christmas tree. I just love a gift that says "I thought about you!"

Tomorrow is sock washing day - have to block all those handmade socks to be put on Etsy next month - next month is a couple of days isn't it LOL! I am trying a new wool soap so I will let you know how it goes with that. Time to make raspberry pie tomorrow. I think this is the last crop of the season and we have been eating them all summer just plain - so delicious like that but one pie has to be made.

It's 1:00am and Roby (my dog) is making his nest which means time to go bed. I wonder why dogs do that. He scratches and paws and rearranges his blankets and just plops himself down with a big old sigh and as my mother-in-law once told me - Good ole bed - which I am thinking sounds just about right..

Good Ole Bed - G'nite.. Joni

Design Inspirations

As promised here are a couple of designs I am in the middle of – right now choosing the colour palette from The Gentle Arts line of threads.

The first one (proposed title Cat on an Antique Rug) is one I have always wanted to do. My background is quilting and crazy quilts have always intrigued me. With the combination of the different fabrics (cotton, silks and velvets) contrasting so vividly with the embellishments of silk and cotton threads plus beads it lends itself to a feast for the eyes. This background will be more subdued as the cat is the focal point. He looks so aloof and very lion like. Of course I need to have my floral borders. I researched old antique rugs for composition and got ideas for some of the shapes of the flowers . Although I don’t quilt anymore my designs do have a lot of quilting blocks as an added theme. I am thinking of doing some wool appliqué designs – but that is a story for another day.
The second design is one that has been in my thoughts for awhile. On a trip to Ireland driving through the countryside around Dublin we came across a crossroads that was the village of Slane, Co. Meath. It had four identical Georgian houses built at each corner. They were the same grey limestone and the story told was that they were built for four spinster sisters. The houses were built in such a way so that could keep an eye on each other. Another tale is told of a brother who built the houses for his sisters because he could not stand their quarrelling – so they each got the same house – no jealousy there – and out of his house! So I designed it with this story in mind - but my houses will be pastel colours – with cascading roses in the border.

So with two projects in my lap along with many more – there is never a bored moment in my life. Just not enough time!

Some of the other things I have been up to -

Need to replenish my wool thread collection so I did a dye run of various colours such as Green Gables, Spicy Pumpkin and Faded Pumpkin.

I love when the colours start saturating the base wool. I should do more dyeing but it requires a dedicated slot of time so I really have to plan it well into my weekend. I do have plans to seriously start dyeing wool fabric again but it will be offered on my website as packages of 4 and 5 different wools – no single yardage. You can see some examples here on my website. Everyone is always on the lookout to round out their stash. I know I do. My dream is to have a studio with a sink – stove – washer and dryer that is not my kitchen. One can only wish! I already have two rooms dedicated to crafts – one is the wool room and the other the craft room – both in serious need of a purge. I may open up an “ATTIC FINDS” button on my website…hmm that is a thought.

Final little aside for today are pictures of my current project of socks. You can see some of the fancy lace work – looks more complicated than it is and you can download the pattern off of the APPLELAINE site. The lace pattern is at the back of the calf and goes down to the bottom of the heel. A little surprise! Using their wools has been a real pleasure. They are so soft. The most complete line being offered that I have come across is in Ottawa at WOOL TYME. They do have an on-line store. Now that is a feast for your eyes. For me it was worth the two hour trip.

Anyone out there interested in knitting but have not yet taken the leap – socks are a great beginner project. It can be as simple or as complicated as you want and very practical. Not much is required in materials and it is also quite portable. The biggest plus – it is sooo relaxing that I have been known to fall asleep with the knitting needles in my hands – LOL.

They are calling for a beautiful weekend. I think this will be our first summer weekend of the season. Spirals of smoke will be circling the sky from all the barbecues starting up. We plan on a family get together with lots of food (very important) – a beast of a chocolate cake- great conversation and lots of laughter. Hey my brother is 49! Happy Birthday Ronald!!

Have a great weekend all – Play safe.. Joni

Textures & Colours to Delight the Soul

Another rainy day today – This morning at 5:30 the sun was peeking through but by the time I got my day going it was torrential rains. That seems to be the story of the summer up here on my island in the St. Lawrence River. One never knows what the weather will be as we are situated in the middle of a valley between the mountain ranges north of us and south of us in Vermont.
Last week was cool and comfortable - this week heavy and humid (which by the way I hate). It’s been a topsy turvy summer in more ways than one.

I have been having fun with some of my smaller punch needle designs – and if you want to know what punch needle is all about peek in at The Primitive Gathering where you can get a lowdown of what it is all about plus a couple of my more seasonal pieces are for sale. This month for PFATT Marketplace I did some quick thinking. What is practical and yet pretty? I had bought these felted mini purses – they are 100% wool Fair Trade from Nepal. Add some of the punch needle and voila. I am into beading so added some felt and glass beads. I love the subtle play of light on glass beads.

I have been adding beads to my knitted socks and to some of my punch needle designs. My next step is to make bracelets – I love the ones that have all those funky beads especially lamp work ones. No I am not about to attempt to go into the jewelry business – this is something I enjoy in my spare time – at this point Peter would interject – what spare time is that??

I am quickly knitting a pair of socks for my mother- in-law in a hand painted wool called Macintosh put out by AppleLaine. I had bought the skeins from an online website Earthfaire – which is such a delight and I love all their yarns, beads and kits. If only I could knit faster. So I got the wool –which was to be a beaded scarf and then decided a few days before my MIL’s birthday that these would make beautiful socks. So two days past her birthday my fingers are flying! I then discovered that this wool is local wool from Ottawa. What heaven! This called for a road trip (2 hour drive) to see all their sumptuous wools in their true colours. It’s a beautiful wool/mohair and silk blend, knits like a dream and so soft. I can confidently say there will be more of these skeins in my wool basket waiting to be turned into little treasures.

Since taking up knitting again I have to say that I am awed by the amount of hand dyed wool out there and the quality of the wool. To knit today is such a pleasure with the resources that abound. Unfortunately when I get going on a new craft – I tend to go overboard. It’s good I have limited space what with all the other crafts taking their place in my home. This calls for a good clean up to see what can be got rid of. I keep saying that but then I pick up my punch needle or my rug hooking and now knitting and say another day. Nothing gets done but a lot of creativity and where would I be without that to enhance my life.

Have a great day - Joni

Definition of Happy!

A very glorious 10 days in Maine by the ocean with Mom. Just got home - and the holiday was so relaxing..it was perfect - sun , great companionship, and lots of fresh seafood....needed it after a very hectic year of turbulent changes. I will be posting pictures tomorrow.

On my way to Maine I discovered a wonderful new place to visit in Vermont,which is inspiring me to knit - knit - knit! Kaleidoscope Yarns in Essex Junction, Vermont. They have a great website with mail order .... Just loved that store - went twice and won't be my last.

The wools these days are so delicious in colour. I love all the hand dyed ones - being a hand dyeing kind of girl. I picked up some new colours to be knitted into socks for gifts that Santa will bring to some of my favourite people. Sprinkle in a couple hundred beads and they will be picture perfect - beads and knitting - my new favourite thing. No I have not given up my rug hooking or punch needle (working on finishing a sampler for Pfatt in our Halloween themed June) but knitting is filling in a space I needed of pretty but practical. What can one say to knitted shawls and socks - a necessity for our cold climes and this gal loves her fall/winter season. Even more so with a lovely textured shawl and some sparkly colour on her tootsies!

My newest punch needle pincushion was available on TDIPT Mercantile this month but has been sold. Here is a picture of it based on an Americana theme for May. This was a departure for me - being Canadian - and I puzzled over what to do for this theme. Then it hit me just stick to the colours - so brought out my primitive palette of hand dyed wools in old blue paint, morning fog and barn red and came up with this pincushion. They are punch needled hearts appliqued on a wool background and then overlayed with more wool - I do love my wool!

Another happiness today was coming home - always nice to go on holidays but it is especially nice to come home. Hubby and Roby greeted me at the door. Poor Roby I always have a hard time leaving him as I am sure he does not think I am coming back. It was not his usual barking of "oh Mommy you are home from work - now feed me" this was a plaintive crying "Where did you go for sooooo long" Now he is fast asleep with one ear to the ground to make sure I am within his sight and hearing - oh dear they are such wonderful friends. Peter is glad I am home for the company and to take over Roby's routine. He gets a good night sleep!

That is happiness - loved ones and sweet homecomings.

Good nite all - Joni

Busy as a Bee

New Punch Needle available on The Primitive Gathering

I just finished knitting my lace shawl , was working on the beading and casting off and what do you know my worse nightmare realized! I ran out of wool. I guess my style is looser than I thought. What to do..Should I just continue and hope that last foot would do it or should i undo all the beading (all 200) and redo the last 4 rows (each row being about 600 stitches) a daunting task to say the least. Then I thought of the recent hand dyed hunks of wool I have been purchasing - maybe there is something in there that is close to the colour. Madly sorting through those richly dyed yarns at 1:00 in the morning is not how I would normally like to spend my evening hours.

Usually I am asleep at this time - but this was a problem I was determined to solve or there would be no sleep for this gal. Aha! something that might work... undid a few stitches ...and combined the two wools and no one would know the difference - well except for me and I can live with that. It was a peaceful sleep I enjoyed! So my first lace shawl done and now to block it . Not my favourite part of knitting but very necessary in order to make it look perfect!

Pattern of new Shawl just finished

Gorgeous Dandelion colour

The pattern is called Waves in the Square by Silvia Harding and the colour Dandelion - wool by Fleece Artist out of Nova Scotia. I just love their wool! This is their mini Handmaiden product line.

Now on to some new projects. I have about 5 lined up along with some knitted beaded bracelets and some new punch needle designs that have to be made. I need 2 of me!

Multi Coloured shawl

Autumn shawl - but I will be using Autumn Colours - my favourite colour way!

Some of the knitted projects calling to me.....using jojoland yarns which has amazing melding of colorways...

I just listed a new punch needle design on The Primitive Gathering.

Pomegranate Tree of Life

I loved doing this one and decided it needed to be practical. I am all for something to have a use besides being wonderful to look at. Must be my new philosophy of material wants vs needs. It is that midlife purge of your unnecessary entanglement with material items in your life. The question I ask myself - Have I used it? When? And will I ever?

This pincushion besides being pretty to look at is also something I would have next to me. I don't just have one pincushion - I have at least 3. I used my own hand dyed wools "Red Island Threads" to do this one. I even added some beads to this one.

I am just finishing a great book titled "The Friday Night Knitting Club". I have had it for awhile but with my growing interest in knitting (well I did knit years ago - sweaters and all) thought this book would be just the inspiration. I am really enjoying it. While linking this title to Amazon - lo and behold Dan Brown is coming out with a new book "The Lost Symbol" continuing from "Angels and Demons" - finally is all I can say. It's been awhile since I read a new one from him!

Well I must be off. Saturday mornings are my day for visiting family and doing the dreaded grocery shopping. A beautiful, sunny warm day to enjoy.

Have a great day....Joni