Looking for Needle work events

Sadly, I had no time for shopping of any kind today.  I picked the hottest day so far this summer to do my spring cleaning.  What was I thinking?  I’m so happy that chore is finished.  Maybe next week I’ll have time for some fun activities.

I did have some time earlier today to add a few more events to my Needle work Events calendar page.  I’ve got quite a few but  I know there are more events out there in Southeast Michigan to be added.  If you know of an event or show of interest please feel free to email me with some information about it and I’ll get it on the Calendar.

I’ve got several projects in the works but the one that popped into my head and woke me up this morning was a small purse I’ve got in mind to make.  Well that’s what it will be when it’s completed.  It started out as just a practice swatch in a color work class I took few weeks ago.  It was a wonderful class with Laura Bryant of Prism Yarns.  She taught it at Artisan Knitworks.  (A very rare opportunity in a yarn shop.)  The class was about finding the “magic number” when working with hand dyed yarns.  It involved a little bit of math but  I ended up with a pretty blue and green piece that will work out beautifully as a small purse.  I’m planning on getting a purse frame from Victorian Purses by Sue.  And maybe line it with some silk dupioni.  I might also add some beads to jazz it up a bit more.  We’ll see.  It will be a good excuse to do some shopping – as if I needed an excuse.

In support of the small shops

Since this is my first ever blog I thought I’d tell you a little about what I hope to accomplish with it.  I’m a quilter, knitter, seamstress, beader and rubber stamper.  I love all needle arts!  I also work full-time.  (sigh)   So when I don’t have time to persue the activities I truly love to do, I shop.  I stop in at quilts shops, knit shops, quilt shows, stamping and scrapbooking shops.  You never know what you might find in a small shop in the city or in the country.  Each one is an oasis of creativity.  They inspire me every time.  I love them all.  

Two things have been my inspiration to start this blog. 

1. With the economy the way it is we are loosing some wonderful  small independent shops.  Too many are struggling to stay afloat.
2. There doesn’t seem to be a single location you can turn to let you know when wonderful events might be happening.    Maybe its a nationally known speaker or trunk show.  Or maybe its a quilt show or fiber festival.  Too often you hear about them when they are over and it’s too late to attend. 

So here’s my plan.  With this blog I hope to create a resource for all my fellow needle artists to turn too for inspiration and information.  Stay tuned.  We’re just getting started.