Beware The Old Yarn Stash

I have a huge stash of yarn in my basement.  I don't know where it came from, maybe it crawled in one day when I was inattentive and left the cellar door open,  I've had that happen with snakes and toads and maybe that's what happened with the yarn.

However it happened, I have skeins and skeins of yarn!   The colors are not very attractive and the texture of most of it is questionable.  Why some company produced yarn that feels like kitchen scrubbing pads is beyond me but it's there in my basement, lying in wait for me every time I go down there.

It usually looks accusingly at me, as if to say, "Why do you hate me and never let me see the light of day?"  I've tried to ignore it, but it's getting harder and harder.  I feel bad for the poor stuff, even though it's ugly and scratchy and no one in a million years would want to wear anything made from it.

And I was successful in ignoring it until a couple of months ago.  That was when I came up with the brilliant idea to try and design a shrug pattern.  Most of the shrug patterns I've seen are simply rectangles of knitting with parts stitched up for the arms.  Is that the route I took when designing my pattern?  Oh no, not me!  I had to have one with fluted cuffs and different stitches to give it texture and a nice big ruffle around the neck line! 

So down to the basement, where the yarn is kept contained in plastic tubs.  I did that so the yarn doesn't get out and try to strangle me when I go down to do laundry and so far it's worked!  Anyway, I pulled the tubs down and cautiously opened them.
All the yarn started clamoring for my attention.  "Pick me,pick me!"  they all shouted.

After doing battle with some of the more unruly skeins, I headed upstairs with my choices.  I picked a florescent orange, don't ask why, I don't know, maybe it yelled louder than all the rest,  a variegated yarn with the appealing name of Chili, a raspberry colored yarn and a large skein of Christmas red.  Then I started knitting.  I won't bore you with the details but it took me quite a while to finish this piece and I did so in the middle of July so I can't even wear my creation for months, but oh well, I will get to wear it eventually.

And now, what you've all been waiting for (if you've had the courage and stamina to read this far), here is my shrug in all its glory!

 Note the bright orange ruffle that encircles the whole thing.  I wanted it to mimic the cuffs with a knit 4, purl 4 ribbing but I ran out of room on my circular needles because I had about a gajillion stitches on the needle but I was too cheap to go out and buy a larger set.

Red Is For....

Red is such a vibrant color and comes in many shade and hues, from a deep blood red, to scarlet, to rose.  Red is the color of passion and it's closely related emotion, anger, because remember the line from the song, "there's a thin line between love and hate."

Red is for Valentine's and the predominant color that symbolizes Christmas.  But however you look at it, red is a wonderful color for clothing, jewelry and home decor.  Here are some fabulous reds that I found from some of my favorite shops around the web.

Catnip Pillow Set of Four by SmokyMountainAccessories

 

Scarlet Impression Jasper Bead Wire Wrap Ring by CrystalBazaar

Southwest Native American Style Hatband by AJWhatBands

Two Red Felted Bangle Bracelets by ValeriesStuff

Set of Two Firebrick Red Beverage Mugs by PotteryHeaven

Polymer Clay Red Bird Hanging Ornament by FantasyClayStore

Black and Red Stretch Flower Bracelet by WyvernDesigns

Hurray For The Red, White And Blue!

The 4th of July is almost here, I can't believe it's almost July already.  The nation's Independence Day is next Thursday and as everyone gets ready for their 4th cookouts, parades and fireworks, I thought I'd show off some of the patriotic items from the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild  on Art Fire.

First up is this wonderful Euro Style Large Hole Floral Bead by Blue Morning Expressions .  This artist makes amazing beads from polymer clay.

Next up is this Chunky Red, White and Blue Bracelet by Drunken Mimes that will get you in the patriotic spirit.

From one of the masters of polymer clay canes, this Red, White and Blue Star Quilt Cane by Art Makers Worlds .

And for my last patriotic pick, Americana Red, White and Blue Pendant by Sharp Art By Dawna

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe $ of July and try not to eat too much!

The Color Is Red

Red is the color of passion and of anger.  Like those two emotions, red comes in many hues and tones.
I was searching the roster of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild looking for red items to include in this post and was amazed to see the variation.  Here are just a few of those I found.

 From this beautiful butterfly pendant from Kimis-Jewelry-From-The-Heart

 This tiny fantasy bird from TheKraftKottage: Tiny Fantasy Bird from TheKraftKottage

To this Celtic inspired cuff by SharpArtByPolymer Clay CuffDawna: Celtic Inspired Polymer Clay Cuff

 

As in emotions and people, red comes in all shades.