Thursday, March 25, 2010

Catching up

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around much, but I've been laid up with the flu and haven't had any energy. I can't believe I've had a cold/flu twice this year and it's only March! Next year I think I might get a flu shot.

Have you ever read Mason-Dixon Knitting? I'd seen it in stores but never bothered to look at it until someone in my sock class recommended it. Fortunately, my local library had a copy. (I own waaayyy too many knitting books already.) Isn't that dish cloth different? I want to give the pattern a try.

Isn't it fun when you find yarn in your stash you forgot about? I won this Fiberphile sock yarn last year in a giveaway and just came across it recently-- I'd totally forgot about it, probably because I didn't know how to knit socks when I won it. Now I can't wait to play with it.

For my March artist trading card swap group, Cory sent everyone in the group embellishments to use on our cards. Here are some of the cards I created.

The background is scrapbook paper from a Somerset magazine. I added white Gesso to give it texture and colored in some of the images with felt tip pens.

It was fun selecting a word or two to add to each card.

Cory included pieces of red and silver foil in the packet of embellishments, so I punched heart and flower shapes out of it and glued them to the cards along with the rick rack, buttons, and postage stamps she sent. I had a good time making these cards.

This card is for a "Spring" themed ATC swap.

Our challenge for April from Rachel is to make cards without using any paper. I've been playing around with different materials, but haven't come up with anything I like yet. I'm pretty excited about it though, because it makes you look at and think differently about your ATC's.

I hope you are enjoying some lovely Spring weather. It is in the high 60's here and trees are blossoming everywhere.

Update : Gerry at GerryArt is having her first giveaway! You can win a wonderful sock pattern book and two skeins of sock yarn. Stop by and check it out!

12 comments:

Theresa said...

I am happy to hear from you but sorry you have had the flu! Take care of yourself and knit something beautiful! I love that "too pretty to be called a dishcloth"! The cards are soooooo pretty!

Have a blessed day my friend!

Suz said...

Oh not the flu!
poor girl...snuggle with the kitties and some hot tea...
Loove your cards...everyone of them
much thought went into them

Thimbleanna said...

Great ATCs! I hope you're feeling better now. Several years ago, I had a friend who said out of their big group of friends only three of them got flu shots -- and they were the only three who didn't get the flu that year. Ever since then, I've always had a flu shot -- and never had the flu!

Dogwood said...

I am so sorry you have been sick. I did not know. Hope you are well now and feeling strong.

Love your yarn/knit stuff.

Oh boy...you did a super good job with your March ATC. I have decided on my April (non-paper) and having fun.

Hugs to my dear friend~Cory

GerryART said...

Stacy, gad, get the flu shot. Don't want to hear that you've been down.
Hope you're doing better and feeling like yourself.
I've been your Follower for a while now and enjoy hearing about your latest activities.
Hugs,
Gerry

Rachel said...

So sorry that you've been struck with the flu (again). You know my cure - a cup of tea, a good book (or some knitting) and a warm pet. Sounds like you have at least the last two taken care of.

Your cards were beautiful this month! I love mine! Can't wait to see what everyone does with "Paperless".

Have fun with your socks and your new-borrowed knitting book. Show us your finishes :)

Maiden Jane said...

Sorry you've had a bout of the flu. I do get flu shots and I think it helps. The first time I had it I was sapped of energy for weeks...so I vowed to get it every year since then. It's not to say I don't pick up a virus here or there - or they don't make a bad batch (that happened last year, I think)...but once you have it you don't want it again! I like the Mason-Dixon book. I also got a copy at the library and tried the washcloth. It's a fun knit. I gave it as a gift. I also knit a rug using t-shirt scraps (surprise) - I love that idea! The sock yarn is beautiful!

Linda said...

Dear Stacy,
I do hope you are feeling better:) The sock yarn you discovered in your stash is lovely and your cards you have created are beautiful. I am looking forward to the card you make without using paper.

Woollywotnots said...

I'm the same at the moment too. It really wipes you out. I hope you are feeling better soon. I bet it is that ex-neighbour of yours and it is your body releasing all its stress. Happy days once you are better and Spring is arriving! :-) I love that dishcloth. I'd love to knit some, the pattern looks so interesting. Your ATCS are so so professional and fantastic. You guys should start a shop. They are so beautiful. Take Care Honey

Anonymous said...

your cards are so beautiful and inspiring.
i am sorry to hear you've been struck twice with flu :o( sounds like you need lots of rest and extra vitamins. hugs too..am sending you some across the atlantic xxx would send you some soup too if i could.
take care sweetie and keep warm xxx

M.E. Greene said...

Cute cute cards! And yes, I totally love finding yarn in my stash that I forgot about. My fave!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

I hope you're feeling better soon. Spring is no time to be sick.
Your cards are wonderful, and I especially like the flowery Spring one. :)

Take care.
Kimberly