Rag Ball Surprise

I like to crochet in public. There. Now my secret is out. It's great for business, and it's something constructive to do while I'm waiting for an appointment, or sitting at Tae Kwon Do lessons, or idling in line at carpool pick up.

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The other day I brought an old rag ball to play with while I was out and about. I was surprised at how sturdy the fabric was in this one, and how thick the strips were cut. I decided to use a large hook and see what happened. Well, this is the result!

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I wish I had about 50 more balls like this one to use for a rug. As it is, this is a one-of-a-kind rarity- a solid feedsack table rug/trivet/coaster that would look divine in a farmhouse kitchen.
Look for her in sosorosey soon!

Makeover Monday 5/17

I recently sent a few sets of my yarn and string stars to a person who plans to use them for 4th of July decorating. That got the old wheels turning, and I thought "Aha! Maybe I should do a similar set in fabric!" These are the materials I chose...

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... and these are the stars they've become. I'll dub them *freedom stars* and list them in time for Memorial Day. Besides being hung as a group for a patriotic, primitive look, they can also easily be attached to a grapevine wreath for a special holiday door decoration.

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Happy Monday! Welcome to the new members of the "group"- I'm so glad you are here :)

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What do you have happening this week? My calendar *seems* relatively clear... for me this typically means that I have forgotten to write something (or a few somethings) down. Here's hoping I remember what's going on before it's too late! O_O

Rustic Clutter Keeper

Just when you thought you'd seen the last of the primitive rag ball creations, you remembered that this is ME that you're dealing with!

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The primitive rag balls for this project came from the same Texas ranch heirloom collection as the ones I made so many stars from over the Christmas holiday season.

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These beautiful fabrics are primarily 100% cotton, with a couple of blends as well. The maker of the balls did such an excellent job of painstakingly cutting, folding, ironing and stitching the lengths- it made my job a true and uniquely joyous experience.

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When you don't cut and wind the fabric yourself (and sometimes even when you do!), it is very hard to know exactly how it is going to work up. How the yardage will translate to becoming a multidimensional object is one of the great mysteries of this craft!

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I was more conservative on the width of this one in order to ensure a substantial depth. It ended up being about 10" wide and 6" deep. AND, I still have a bit of one rag ball left! Maybe it will be used for a small bowl- maybe a few stars. Whatever the customer would like works for me...I'm just happy that I have a little bit more left to play with. *sigh*

Seeing Stars

Nope, not a Brangelina sighting. The stars I'm seeing are the more magical, 5 pointed variety!

I was recently asked to make organic star appliques for a boy snuggle set. Upon investigating and trying out different patterns, I hit on one that I really liked. After I finished the ones for the photographer, I got out some of my favorite shabby chic roses fabric and proceeded to whip up an upcycled star!

Now, I know I have a special attraction for the star shape. I have collected them for a few years (I know, me with a collection? Shocker!!), and have my favorites hung as the border around my upstairs powder room. It is so whimsical and fun, it nevers fails to delight!

My question, though, is this...Might other people like stars as much as I do? Should I add these to my shop? As singles, or sets of 3? They are large, about 8" in diameter, but very lightweight. The cost would be $8 for one. Your thoughts are VERY welcome...please consider leaving a comment with your opinion :)