Friends, Fiber and Food

One of the very best parts of being creative is that you become surrounded by other very creative people. And I do mean very creative. One of the dearest creative women ever happens to live near me and I count myself so very fortunate to claim her as my friend.

Karen Eckmeier, in her studio located high above common ground on a quiet road in the quiet northwest corner of Connecticut, creates LOUD explosions of color! She has quilting fans all over the world and they just can't get enough of her or her loving encouragement. Why? Because her nature is peaceful and patient while her work pushes the simplistic to the limit through quilting techniques that are completely within reach of even a rank beginner yet offer a galaxy of possibility.


Layered Waves: A Fresh New Way to Quilt is her latest book and within its covers you will find delightful projects. I love the classic Log Cabin done in Layered Waves which amuse and seduce! You will also find a design from yours truly in the form of a garden hat which Karen pieced and constructed from my pattern.
The photo above was taken of Karen in her hilltop garden by her dear husband, Walter.  Sorry, the flowers were added on as a birthday treat but new from Ambrosia Cottage is the kit for Raggedy Ribbonry Roses, below.

On the drawing board in my studio are kits for my floral embellishments as seen here.  Available now are the Raggedy Ribbonry Rose kits with other designs soon to follow.  The price for the Raggedy Ribbonry Rose kit is $12 plus $3 shipping or slightly more for sending kits abroad.  Easy stitching and lots of room for play, these floral embellishments are simply fun to create, gorgeous to behold, and make adorable accents on hats, bags, lapels, scarves, gifts, and household items such as lampshades or curtain tie backs. Handmade elegance!


Have not totally abandoned the felting front as warmer weather approaches but would like to mention a new release by Candie Cooper.  Her book  Felted Jewelry: 20 Stylish Designs (Lark Jewelry Book) is now available in paperback.  Candie was co-editor with Terry Taylor who featured five of my designs in Designer Needle Felting: Contemporary Styles, Easy Techniques which also came out in paperback this spring.  A little more affordable and easier to tote!

And now, what to listen to while kicking back and creating?  Try checking out some of the audio books from Knitting Out Loud.  Kathy says:

"I only record books I love, so it is hard to pick a favorite. Our new releases are Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales which has Meg Swansen reading her own essay (the narrator is knitter and Minn. Public Radio announcer Greta Cunningham), Wild Fibers Magazine: Five Years of Favorites Linda Cortright travels the world to find interesting fiber animals: Himalayas, New Zealand, etc, and a new South Wind Through the Kitchen: The Best of Elizabeth David a food memoir of Europe by Elizabeth David."
Inspired?  I hope so.  Nothing better than fine friends, fine fiber and fine food!
Enjoy!
Lisa