Crystal Pinecone

Keeping it HandKnit

2012-01-19T18:39:00.002-05:00

Keeping it hand knit this winter !!!

Handknit Shruggy

2012-01-14T10:19:00.004-05:00

This handknit shrug sweater can go with a lot of differnt colors and will keep a little girl cozy warm worn over a long sleeve T-shirt ...pair it up with some blue jeans and she is ready for the runway!

All Buttoned Up

2011-12-02T16:56:00.005-05:00

These button up fingerless gloves are sure
to keep your fingers free, yet keep your hands
toasty warm. They are knit completely in ribbing,
so no need to unbutton them to put them on....just
slip them on and off. They measure alomost 8".
The yarn is made from Merino Wool, Alpaca, and Nylon.
The yarn is soft and slight fuzziness to it.The color of the
yarn is called Wicked Witch from Knit Picks.
The cost is $30.00 a pair with the shipping charge
included in that price. Need them in a favorite color?
I can knit a pair in just about any color you may need.

Christmas Bead Bracelets

2011-11-30T10:58:00.005-05:00

Santa Bead Bracelet

2011-11-14T13:53:00.003-05:00

A Santa and a Christmas tree lampworked bead were incorporated into this Christmas inspired bracelet. A few clear glass beads, silver tone spacer beads and silver toggle clasp form a circle of holiday cheer!

Bashful Elves

2011-11-07T15:34:00.003-05:00

These elves have crocheted bodies, their dangly arms and legs made from fabric...with weighted hands and shoes.Their eyes are made from polymer clay which have been handpainted.

Mismatched...but, love them!

2011-11-01T10:53:00.002-04:00

I've been busy knitting several pairs of fingerless gloves. This pair is mismatched in appearance... but, I love them.They are fun....these I will keep for myself. The yarn that is 75% wool and 25% nylon and are cozy as soon as you put on!

Twisted Witch Bracelet

2011-10-19T17:35:00.004-04:00

A green witch face bead is the focal point in this bracelet for Halloween...check out those lips...just so kissable!

SPOOKTACULAR..A Halloween Event

2011-10-16T17:31:00.001-04:00

Halloweenie Kids

2011-10-11T17:19:00.003-04:00

It is that time to play in the leaves! These two little "Halloweenies Kids" are doing just that. The leaves are falling now...Halloween is just around the corner!

Jack & Jill

2011-10-08T16:46:00.002-04:00

Two little cuties....Jack & Jill. These crocheted characters will put a smile on your face since they are happy and sweet. They are 9.95 each.

Monster Dog?

2011-10-05T19:07:00.004-04:00

Monster or dog? It looks to be a bit of both...the big teeth seem to resemble something a monster would have. Either way, just a little dog that looks pretty tough! He measures 14" tall...and likes to beg. His fluffy ears are wool yarn and his teeth are made from polymer clay.

Roberta Rectanglepants

2011-09-28T12:24:00.003-04:00

Need a fun and easy project to work on? Well.. I found this cute little toy on the Lion Brand yarn website. Their pattern is called Rudy the Rectangle..pattern #80735AD. If you have small pieces of yarn this little character is just waiting to come alive for a some child that would love it...or even a grownup that needs a smile!

Colors Under the Sun

2011-09-25T13:58:00.004-04:00

The sunlight coming through the window shows the colors in detail on these potholders!

The Skellie Girls

2011-09-23T09:34:00.008-04:00

A few splashes of color and there you have, 4 skellie girls! These skellie girls are made from back & white felt, with a button or two, two layed skirts, some flowers and a heart. Their arms and legs are attached to their bodies by large splitrings so that they dangle. Large grommets were used at the "joints" to attach the arms and legs. A flower with a small skull made from Paperclay adorn the waistbands. There is a loop on the back for hanging...and they are 18 1/2" tall.

"South of Superior"

2011-09-19T14:22:00.003-04:00

These potholders have a festive Mexicana theme and they can be purchased south of Superior Lake....we sell them right here at the Crystal Pinecone! They are very colorful, thick and all handcrocheted. They come with a Day of the Dead tag, with a Catrina with a rose on her hat! "Ole"

Charmed...

2011-09-16T14:01:00.005-04:00

Three's a charm with Halloween bracelets!!!

My sister, Nance and I were just "charmed" making some Halloween bracelets during a visit with { Nance and Chuck , my brother-in-law }. What fun! These 3, are the ones I made.

Goblins and Pumpkin Bracelet

2011-09-08T18:45:00.004-04:00

A gathering of a goblin, a pumpkin and a tiny skeleton with all kinds of beads make up this Halloween bracelet.

Sponge Coral Bead Necklace

2011-08-13T11:41:00.004-04:00

Necklaces have been an integral part of jewelry since the time of ancient civilizations.

The birth of necklaces is believed to be as old as the Stone Age, which is around 40,000 years old. NOT just a passing fad, eh?

This necklace was made with iris green glass seed beads, 10mm red sponge coral beads, 8mm turquoise beads, 8mm red carnelian beads, brass spacers, and there are even two handcarved red carnelian rabbit beads. A large rounded square and beautifully designed, purchased polymer bead as a vocal bead and little clam shell -type clapper dangles.

HOT COLORS!

2011-08-11T18:12:00.004-04:00

From cool colors to hot falltime colors....I have started working on a different color scheme for the time being for potholders. These colors have always been popular color potholders for our customers. Perhaps with fall just a few months away, people start to think about gold, orange and red leaves and...Thanksgiving Dinners.

Little Visitor

2011-08-10T16:40:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle's nose went siffle, sniffle, snuffle and her eyes went twinkle, twinkle and she fetched another hot iron from the fire. ~ from a Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter

This tiny toy hedgehog ...I thought was a Steiff, but since it does not have the trademark metal button in it's ear ...perhaps it is not. It still is a cute little hedgehog!

Purple Craze Potholders

2011-08-09T09:13:00.000-04:00

Old Mister Prickly Pin

2011-08-08T15:45:00.003-04:00

A portrait of Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's uncle from 1902. This watercolor and pen and ink over pencil from the unpublished Book of Rhymes by Beatrix Potter.

Scene in a Skillet

2011-08-07T23:04:00.004-04:00

Skillets are not just for frying in....Dorothy painted a serene scene with a little log cabin on this one.

Yet Another in Blue...

2011-08-06T16:11:00.002-04:00

Here is yet a another potholder in shades of blue. Blue seems to be the color this ummer maybe because blue is a cool color on the color wheel and in this hot weather it looks refreshing like diving into a swimming pool. Stay, COOL !!

Blue Wave Potholder

2011-08-04T20:27:00.001-04:00

Shades of blue like an ocean wave in the tropics are the colors of this potholder.

Cool Cat

2011-08-02T13:26:00.003-04:00

Northern Lights

2011-08-01T11:45:00.003-04:00

The Northern Lights have been captured by Dorothy on this hand painted saw blade. The lighthouse guides the ships in the crisp night air.

Potholder Blues?

2011-07-31T19:48:00.006-04:00

These potholders just might cure your potholder blues. They are
machine wasable. Hand crocheted....and they are and nice and thick and come in a variety of colors.

Moustradamis

2011-07-30T13:44:00.004-04:00

I dould not resist taking a snapshot of this cute little mouse!

Paw Kingdom Green Cat

2011-07-29T12:47:00.004-04:00

Handknit and created for the Paw Kingdom of Animals is this little green cat. Her name is Lady Olive!

Skellie Bracelets

2011-07-26T12:46:00.003-04:00

This bracelet was made using a skellie. They are 12.00 each. The shipping cost is is included in the price. Check back for more colors to choose from.

Little Skellies

2011-07-23T01:52:00.004-04:00

These little skellies heads are made of polymer clay. The roses are made of polymer clay as well.

Log Cabin Bottle

2011-07-20T14:52:00.002-04:00

This green bottle was handpainted by Dorothy Woropay. The rustic log cabin with the orange colored leaves captures fall time in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan.

Steampunk Bracelet

2011-07-16T15:38:00.005-04:00

"Steampunk" is a Victorian era mad scientist
look with clockwork gears and brass findings and has the look from the Industrial Age when all kinds of inventions were coming to life. Buttons and trinkets were also added to this bracelet. The face of the little mad scientist is made from polymer clay. The bracelet has a leather backing and a button closure.

Green Glass Bracelet

2011-07-15T08:23:00.004-04:00

Green is the main color in this bracelet, with some blue beads and colorful art glass beads, also. A small lobster claw clasp attaches the bead dangles. The frog.......he just likes to have his photo taken!

Poppy Field Jar

2011-07-14T08:42:00.003-04:00

The blue canning jar photo of red poppies and small white flowers was handpainted by Dorothy Woropay. Dorothy will take custom orders if you would like a canning jar painted. Do you have favorite flowers, a garden scene...or perhaps a woodland scene with a little log cabin that you would like her to do? Just drop a comment and I will get back with you.

Woodland Flower Necklace

2011-07-13T15:57:00.003-04:00

Here is a photo of a new idea I tried... incorporating some beading, flower shaped buttons and splashes of color to create this woodland flower necklace. An ornate copper colored button is a focal point. Shades of brown, amber crystal beads, copper colored filigree beads and touches of pink and yellow seed beads make up the beads that go around the neck.

Beaded Cuff Bracelet

2011-07-05T09:15:00.003-04:00

Shades of brown, amber, and a burnt orange shade are the colors that were used in this beaded cuff bracelet.
It was then embellished with various buttons and beads that were all handstitched on this crocheted wool yarn bracelet. The focal point button is an antique gold button with amber colored rhinestones. It is about 2 & 1/4" wide and has a button and loop closure and has a leather backing.

Happy 4th. of July!!!

2011-07-04T15:59:00.005-04:00

Waiting for the fireworks...is what this handpainted rock cat could be doing in this photo. The parade is over and still dressed in his clown outfit as he gazes up into the night sky for the 4 th. of July fireworks display. Happy 4th. of July!!!!!

Purple Felted Purse

2011-07-03T09:28:00.002-04:00

This purse is crocheted of 100% wool yarn. It was then felted and very sturdy and durable. It measures 12 & 1/2" by 10 & 3/4".

Art on Nature's Canvas

2011-07-02T07:56:00.003-04:00

Dorothy used this tree fungus as a canvas for this beautiful rustic scene that she painted. Acrylic paints were used and she has captured the essence of the unique country of Michigan's Upper Pennisula in this painting on this almost 2 foot wide fungus.

Garden Raffle Winner!!!

2011-07-01T15:14:00.004-04:00

Kay Powers of Grand Marais is the winner of our garden raffle held last weekend! She won the cute garden piggy! Kay and Stan Powers live in Grand Marais and have a beautiful vegetable garden. So how fitting that Kay won when they have the perhaps the best vegetable garden in town!!!

Look for the BIG Flowers!

2011-06-20T10:29:00.006-04:00

Look for the these BIG flowers and The Crystal Pinecone sign during the Grand Marais Garden Tour. Turn on West Ridge Road off M-77 to come to the Crystal Pinecone. We have beautiful hand painted glassware with cottage garden scenes flowers on jars, bottles, salt & pepper shakers. . and even little bud vases. All created by Dorothy Woropay. We have all kinds ofnew items and enter our raffle for an adorable garden pig. The garden tour is on June 25th, Saturday It is 10 a.m till 4 p.m. Hope to see you!

They LOVE red!

2011-06-15T14:41:00.003-04:00

This brillant red and coral shade of geranium attracts little hummingbirds. They will be out by the geranium early in the morning! So cute!

GARDEN PIGGY RAFFLE

2011-06-13T12:17:00.003-04:00

The Grand Marais Garden Tour is fast approaching, June 25th. which falls on a Saturday to be exact. Such beautiful gardens to see in Grand Marais! This event in town is always well attended and a great event to get out and see the talented gardeners of Grand Marais.
We do not have a garden anything quite as elaborate as many but, we do have a cactus and succulent collection and some beautiful geraniums and some bright golden strawflowers.
This year we are holding a raffle at The Crystal Pinecone gift shoppe. It measures just under 12" tall. A $10.00 purchase at the shoppe enters you into the drawing for this adorable garden piggy!

Beautiful Sunset

2011-06-08T20:58:00.002-04:00

Under the Dragon

2011-06-08T14:00:00.005-04:00

Under this blue crushed velvet dragon is the portable sewing machine I received for a Christmas gift this past year. This sewing machine cover is my first larger project using the new machine. What a great little sewing machine.....I just love it!

A Summertime Pick

2011-06-05T19:14:00.002-04:00

This beaded necklace is like colorful flowers picked from a garden in summertime. Different shades of pink, yellow and a shade of light tangerine color are in this bouquet! Accents of metal filagree copper beads and an amber shade of crystal beads make up the strand that goes around the neck. The total measurement is 15 and 1/2".

Cactus Garden

2011-06-03T20:59:00.004-04:00

Captured on Lake Superior Rocks!

2011-05-27T18:39:00.004-04:00

Golden Strawflowers

2011-05-20T18:36:00.003-04:00

You know the summer season is just around the corner when the flower and vegetable plants are out at the greenhouses. This flower is called Basket Bon Bon { Bracteantha }. The color of the flowers just glow in the evening sun.

Lady & the Brooch

2011-05-20T12:20:00.002-04:00

This beaded brooch looks like something the lady in the photo might wear. Amber colored beads and a rhinestone button and some iridescent seed beads were used to create this round brooch.

Green Beaded Necklace

2011-05-19T14:53:00.001-04:00

Lavender & Amethyst Glass Necklace

2011-05-16T18:44:00.006-04:00

Shades of lavender and amethyst colored glass with light shade of amber colored frosted glass flower beads have been used in this necklace. The large ornate antique silver round is really just a very cool button. Do you see the tiny key on this beaded pendant?

Peggy's Glass Garden Jewelry

2011-05-15T16:28:00.002-04:00

A LIght in the Woods

2011-05-11T17:34:00.000-04:00

New Workroom Setup

2011-05-10T12:22:00.006-04:00

I have set up a new little work area for the summer, so I can work on projects while The Crystal Pinecone is open this summer season. I just need to take out my portable sewing machine that was a Christmas gift from my sister and brother-in law..Nance and Chuck. I have the window for good light and everything is on or in this antique dresser that I will need for projects. By the way I got this solid oak dresser at a garage sale. It was covered with many coats of paint.

Halloween Brooch

2011-05-08T10:27:00.001-04:00

Love Bee's

2011-04-29T19:48:00.001-04:00

Little Starman Brooch

2011-04-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

Beaded Day of the Dead Brooch

2011-04-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-23T15:56:00.001-04:00

Peace Sign Bracelet

2011-04-22T18:30:00.005-04:00

A kaleidoscope of colored glass beads along with a turquoise peace sign bead are incorporated into a bracelet from Peggy's Glass Garden of beaded jelery series.

Day of the Dead Keychain

2011-04-20T19:26:00.000-04:00

Snow Thaw Bracelet

2011-04-18T15:45:00.003-04:00

The photo of this bracelet was taken on a rock that was under a lot snow but, sun came out today and melted a lot of the snow that we did get just this weekend. Before the snow...our snow was just about completely gone! Wool yarn was used to make this bracelet, and the color theme was kept in a demim blue and silver.

Don't look now , but, are those....

2011-04-14T14:08:00.007-04:00

Yes.. eye beads. The beads in this bracelet are made of layered resin and are quite "eye catching"!

Mushroom Bracelets

2011-04-13T17:42:00.004-04:00

These bracelets have glass lampworked mushroom beads with red caps and white polka dots, clear blue glass, silver spacer beads and green millefiori glass beads. Those little mushrooms look like something a little gnome would pick in the forest!!!

Beaded Day of the Dead Bracelet

2011-04-12T15:43:00.000-04:00

What's on the Menu?

2011-04-12T12:03:00.002-04:00

These little notebooks have a cooking theme with all kinds kitchen untensils and a "little chef" on each cover.

Bronzed Berry Fingerless Gloves

2011-04-09T15:39:00.002-04:00

These fingerless gloves are knit from Paton's sock yarn, which is 75% washable wool and 25% nylon. They are made on #2 double pointed needles. The color is called Bronzed Berry Stripes.

Black & Blue Cuff Bracelet

2011-04-08T17:17:00.003-04:00

Black yarn and cobalt blue perle cotton edging are the main colors in this crocheted cuff bracelet..but the accents of different silver buttons, deep pink abalone heart buttons and frosted white beads give it an extra punch of color!The black yarn is 100% wool.

Fish Necklace

2011-04-07T17:40:00.000-04:00

Flower Power Bracelet

2011-04-05T19:20:00.001-04:00

Fishing Journal

2011-03-31T14:47:00.005-04:00

This journal captures the outdoor sport of fishing Up North. The paper that covers the journal has artwork of weathered wood planks with rusty nails and it serves as a good rustic background for a fishing theme. This journal is just one of the items that the Crystal Pinecone is donating to the Grand Marais school carnival for a silent auction that is coming up in April.

Casper's Visit

2011-03-29T17:25:00.009-04:00

There is an albino deer that has been seen in the area...and here is a photo that was taken by our neighbors, Judy & Brody Block when he stopped over for a visit. We call him, Casper { seems like a good name }. He has pink eyes, a pink nose and pink hooofs! Looks like a little goat in this photo!

Sunshine in a Jar

2011-03-29T13:21:00.004-04:00

If you could capture sunshine in a jar, this might be a good jar just for that. It could sit on a window sill or a shelf and you could have Springtime all year long! Dorothy painted all the lovely daisies, foxgloves, and Forget-Me-Nots in shades of blues, yellow and orange. This pretty little glass jar stands about 5 and 1/2" tall and is $15.00 plus shipping.

Adopt a Puppy Bracelets

2011-03-26T13:18:00.003-04:00

A litter of pups have been "born" at the Crystal Pinecone....here are just two of them. Each pup bead is porcelain. They have millefiori glass bead "leashes" with little goldtone spacer beads. Each pup bracelet comes in a leopard print gift bag. They are a black & white terrier mix and ready to be adopted for $6.00 each, plus shipping.

Woodland Collar Scarf

2011-03-24T19:01:00.003-04:00

This collar scarf is knit with a color hue called "Woodlands". The leave toggle button is made of genuine horn. The yarn is 100% acrylic, and very soft and cozy. The price is $35.00, plus shipping.

Little Notebooks

2011-03-23T10:09:00.001-04:00

Trees with Purple Metallic Apples

2011-03-13T14:04:00.010-04:00

This bead and button cuff bracelet is made of all wool yarn that was crocheted. I started in the center of the bracelet by making a round. Then on one side, I made 3 single crochets { on the side edge of the round } for the wrist band....and did the same thing on the other side of that same crocheted round. Then I crocheted around the entire piece till I got it the size that I wanted it to be. I had to increase in curved areas to make the bracelet flat. The first thing I sewed in place were the two trees. The little silver ornate button serves as a moon in an the evening night of my "bracelet creation". On the branches of the trees, I sewed down in place, purple metallic beads for apples. Then I just began to place all kinds of buttons that I found in our button box. It took quite a bit of time deciding on how to place all the buttons and beads. I then stitched them all down and added some amber colored crystal beads..and then made bead fringes below the roots of the trees. I then crocheted around the entire edge with black perle cotton. It measures 2 and 3/4" at the widest part of the finished piece.

Since the brown velvet covered button { on the far left } was from my sister's childhood winter coat, I wonder if she would like this bracelet for her birthday?

Buttons and Beads....

2011-03-09T16:34:00.004-05:00

Collections of buttons and beads have been stitched in place on crocheted wool blend yarn which are now cuff bracelets. A crocheted edge was made with perle cotton and a loop closure was made on each bracelet when doing that edging. They have a leather backing.
Take a look at your button box....there may be some buttons in there that are calling out to be become part of a bracelet that your creative spirit inspired!

Looking for the Sunshine

2011-03-03T22:17:00.005-05:00

A couple of days ago I was surprised, I could see sunshine { almost forgot what it looked like}....but, today the" wintery" weather returned. Snow was falling like crazy. The sun is supposed to make an appearance this weekend. It will be a wonderful sight...we need the sunshine!!!!

The Campbell Kids

2011-02-22T17:31:00.005-05:00

Collectible things from the past, we seem to like things that we had when we were kids or just antiques, themselves. These are just a few favorite things we have on a shelf...the nutmeg tin is very old...and the Campbell Kid salt & pepper shaker's are just too cute! The little milk bottle in the wire holder...like the kind they used to have milk for kids in school. It used to have a little cardboard lid that fit into the top of the neck of the bottle.

Rainbow on Your Shoulders

2011-02-21T09:49:00.002-05:00

The colors of this scarf are like a rainbow on your shoulders. This colorful yarn is a washable acrylic, with a woven leather button to keep it is snug around the neck. It coordinates great with a little denim jacket and blue jeans, for a nice casual look.
This scarf has already been sold!

Any Color Scarves

2011-02-19T10:45:00.007-05:00

The collar and the button front closure has put a new twist on a scarf. The collar can be worn down or close up around your neck. The color in the photo does not really show the true color...but, it is an almost olive/forest green shade. It is 7" long from the botton edge, to the top of the edge of the collar. This yarn is acrylic. The price for the scarf is $35.00
I can knit one for you in any color of your choice. I will have more of the same exact-type scarves that are in a washable wool/ blend...those are a little more because of the cost of yarn. Please feel free to contact me if inerested.

Knit Collar/Scarf

2011-02-15T17:08:00.002-05:00

Impeccable yarn by Loops & Threads sold at Michael's was used to knit this textured collar/ scarf. The collar can folded down or worn up on cold days. The one button closure gives addded warmth.

Little Girl in the Attic

2011-01-29T16:37:00.003-05:00

This is a painting that Dorothy Woropay painted quite a few years ago of a little girl reading in the attic. She kept this painting since it was one of her first paintings that she did!

Angel Inspired

2011-01-28T16:34:00.002-05:00

We are each angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one and another. ~Luciano de Crescenzo

If one looks closely enough, one can see angels in every piece of art. ~ Terri Guillements

Ever felt an an angel's breath in the gentle breeze? A teardrop in the falling rain? Hear a whisper amoung the rustle of leaves? Or been kissed by a snowflake? Nature is an angel's favorite hiding place. ~Carrie Latet

Let us not be angel's of justice, but angel's of peace. ~St. Teresa of Lisieux

While we are sleeping, angel's have conversations with our souls. ~ Author Unknown

I saw an angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. ~ Michelangelo

An angel can illuminate the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision.
~ St.Thomas Aqinas

In Heaven an angel is nobody in particular. ~ George Bernard Shaw

Time Machine Pincushion

2011-01-27T09:27:00.006-05:00

Pincushions have graced virtually every sewing table that was. They have a splendid history and a charming manner.
In a bygone era, the tinkling bell at the door announces arrival and departure times of the patrons of a dressmaker's shop. Fashionable ladies examined textiles from distant lands that sit stacked from the rug to the rafters of a conveted tea parlor.The sheerest of laces, ribbons, threads, buttons and trinkets fill various rattan baskets while, close at hand a pincushion guards a myrid of sharp, shiny pins and needles. That pincushion is an integral part of the day's interprise.
People today, seem to have a fascination with tool's of the past. Vintage sewing items such as pincushions have become collectibles, as they yield satisfying results of efficiency and have a charm of their own.
This pincushion, has just traveled on a time machine, because this pincushion was made this winter. It is 4" in diameter and 2 and 3/4" tall.

Snow and Ready

2011-01-09T14:28:00.012-05:00

Like bits of frozen lace falling from the sky, snowflakes have covered Grand Marais and the surrounding areas with a blanket of pure white fluffy snow. The snowflakes are big and lace-like as they flutter down. At times, they come down very thick.
We do need the snow....next month is the U.P. 200, a dog sled race that starts out in Marquette, Michigan and comes all the way through the woods to Grand Marais. That is right, 2oo miles and through the woods at... night! Talk about an adventuresome spirit! It is quite the event to see! The mushers wear big parkas with long fur around their hoods that blows back as they move across the snow. They also wear huge fur mittens that go up to their elbows, just about. It is like something from Alaska. The dogs are the real atheletes, though...they love the snow and the colder the temperature, the better the dogs like it. The sled dogs wear special little boots adapted for running in the snow. So call it "The Call of the Wild" because those dogs live to run!

The snow is so fluffy and accumulates fast. You can even see the nowlakes as they fall caught in the "frozen space" of the above snapshot. Since it is so fluffy it just may seem much more snow has fallen but, it is beautiful and looks like a magical wonderland, outside. Nature has that way of making the the simplest things extraordinary.

The snow has set the scene for a Jack London type event where man and beast are a kin with nature as they glide across the snow with a full moon hovering in the winter night sky.

Spin of Color Pincushion

2010-12-31T10:48:00.003-05:00

A spin of colors is a good way to describe this pincushion. It is 5" across and 3" tall and able to hold a lot of straight pins and sewing needles. A pewter button was attached firmly in the center to finish the spin on this wool/blend garter knit pincushion. It is the largest pincushion I have made so far...but, I beleive the one I am still working on might be just a little larger.

Pincushion Patch?

2010-12-27T11:33:00.005-05:00

Whoever said that pincushions do not grow in a patch? I don't know..not me, because it is looking like these are starting their own winter garden patch!These garter stitch pincushions are very attractive to the eye because of all the different colors. In the center of each pincushion { on top} a cool button was attached in the center of the spiral. I bet a tiny knitted ball could be attached with a black cord like some pincushions have those little "strawberries" things where you an sharpen your sewing needles. Anyway, these pincushions are really not difficult to make, just more time consuming. But if you do not make too big of one, not really. Also it a good way to use small amounts of yarn you may have hanging around, waiting to become something unique! And they are nice pincushions....the straight pins go in and stay in. I made one these pincushions that can be seen on an earlier post...I use it all the time. Hey, it works and is pretty, too.
There is a really big pincushion that is "growing" in my kniting bag that is probably going to make it's debut one day on our blog. It just might be be "The Great Pincushion". Oh my....you could make a HUGE pincushion made from orange yarn that looks like a pumpkin. Step back, Charlie Brown.

Some Yarn, Beads, and Buttons...

2010-12-26T13:29:00.003-05:00

This button/trinket bracelet is my latest work in progress. A wool blend yarn by Paton's was used to crochet the band of the bracelt itself. Then a brown perle cotton was used to single crochet around the entire edge. The really fun part was looking through our button box stash and hunt for all kinds of buttons for it. I also added some beads....some are round and a few glass flower beads A lightweight ultrasuede will be sewn on the back as a backing to finish it off. The final touch is a very cute gold cherub button that has to be sewn in place as the button closure. Yarn, beads, buttons, some thread and something to use as backing and you have a nice project to work on while watching TV. or a movie....and it is fun to do, too. Create a bracelet!

I'm trying to sleep, here....

2010-12-24T13:39:00.004-05:00

Robin was nestled all snug under the Christmas tree when someone kept taking snapshots and disrupting her much needed sleep before Santa's arrived.
Her expression looks like:I'm trying to get some sleep, here....if you don't mind!!!

Hey,would you turn the tree lights on?

2010-12-23T19:26:00.005-05:00

This is my cat, Robin. My camera batttery is charging..otherwise I would have tried to get a photo of Robin snoozing under the Christmas tree, which is her favorite spot to take a nap lately. She must like the warmth from the Christmas lights!!!

Lumberjack Bears for Christmas

2010-12-02T16:13:00.003-05:00

These little handcrafted Lumberjack Bears with the colors of Christmas they look sweet sitting under a Christmas tree....and are very "northwoods". These are the last two bears available. They are completely hand crocheted and then stuffed firm so they can sit up...and measure about 8"tall. Perhaps, some crocheted baby black bear cubs will be showing up in Spring!!!!
These little guys are inspired from the black bears in this area.

Garter Stitch Picushion

2010-11-29T20:32:00.005-05:00

The pincushion that I had been using was too small and so small that it kept tipping over, so I decided to try and knit one that was bigger and more stable. This one is about 4 inches in diameter and the weight of it makes it have good stability. You know, I like it. If I had some wool yarn, I would have used it...but, since this was just something I just tried I used what I had available at this time. Wool yarn could be used for the next one. I started it last evening and finished it, this evening. It is all done in garter stitch and on size #1 knitting needles. I used Vanna White yarn and then casted on 3o stitches and used my judgement on how long to make it. Keeping into consideration that it was going to be rolled, so it has to be long. My completed knitted piece was about 18-20 inches long. I folded it lengthwise in thirds....tacking it in place to hold it in place. I then rolled up the long folded piece { like a cinnamon roll or a snail shell }, tacking it in place to hold the "roll" in place till I had it completely tacked and held in place where it looked the best I could do...and then trimmed off the yarn ends and put the straight pins in it. With all the nice yarns out there, a person could make some real a real awesome pincushions!

Starry, Starry Night

2010-11-26T21:29:00.003-05:00

We woke up to blowing snow and a temperature of only 1o degress. The wind blew all day and tonight was Starry, Starry Night.
Starry, Starry Night is an annual Christmas Celebration in Grand Marais where gift shops or any business that decides to be open the night after Thankgiving. We thought for sure people would not be venturing out on such a night....but, human spirit and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Grand Marais...it was a great success! People are tough in The Upper Pennisula....I was happy to see that "spunk and spirit" is still in it's people! This snapshot of our red and gold decorated little Christmas tree glowed so pretty with red lights, in the night.

Little Handknit Hat

2010-11-25T10:10:00.006-05:00

You may not have much yarn on hand to make something something big, perhaps you could make a little hat like this, though. It would make a cute gift for a little girl's doll. I used just straight size 2 knitting needles, also for the ribbing. ....using smaller amounts of yarn. I casted on the amount of stitches that I thought would be a good amount and started decreasing at the crown when it seemed long enough. I then drew the yarn through the remaining stitches and fastened off.