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Stitching & Crafting Room:  What are you working on today??  |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 07:07:23 AM
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Yes, I grow a lot of lavender. I think I am up to around 60 plants and I put a few more in every year. I do lose one or so every winter due to the cold but as long as I stick to the hardier varieties they do pretty well here. The main thing with lavender is it needs to be in well drained soil - it doesn't like wet feet.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 08:42:18 AM
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Your wands are just beautiful!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 09:20:29 AM
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Susan...$35.00 sounds like the perfect price for your bags.
Sheri...your Lavender wands are beautiful!
blessings,
peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
When I was a lonely wallflower, Jesus asked me to dance. Then he asked me to be happy, to be passionate, and to Be His! |
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sidavis
True Blue Farmgirl
125 Posts
Susan
Vero Beach
Fl
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 11:05:47 AM
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Thank you for the input PeggyAnn, I appreciate it.
OK, I'm ready-Let's go. |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 11:32:30 AM
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| Sheri, how do you make your wands? I have two plants and have always wondered what I could make out of them. They're full and beautiful, but would like to make sachets or something out of them. Do you make anything else from your lavender? |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 11:50:46 AM
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Here is a link to a video how to for the wands http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_huCB0_6Qo and one on how to make a lavender wreath http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uoHWPNGUUs&feature=related
To make the wands the stems need to be really long and pretty thick. You can also make lavender baskets which are similar to the wands but instead of weaving it so long and wrapping the handle, you only weave about and inch to inch and a half, then divide the stems into two parts and curve them into the handle of a basket (with the top of the weaving becoming the bottom of the basket) then with a small piece of wire connect each group of stems forcing them into a curve like the handle of a basket. By using wire to connect them, it gives the "handle" some body. Then you can decorate as you wish with ribbons. They make really cute ornaments. Here are the instructions http://pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/tutorials/tutorial-for-lavender-basket-ornament/
I hope that helps you find some inspiration to use your beautiful lavender.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 3:52:44 PM
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Just finished reading pages of posts! You farmgirls are so creative and inspirational. I have been busy everywhere BUT my sewing room. Hope to get back in there soon. Dianne in the Hudson Valley
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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SantaTeresita
True Blue Farmgirl
474 Posts
Teresita
Sacramento
CA
USA
474 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 11:52:47 AM
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I was making something really nice for a friend of mine in Colorado. BUt I guess she gave up on our friendship.
So these days I am working on a knitted capelet that I am enjoying for the fall in "LOVE OF KNITTING" Summer 2011 issue.
"Yes you can/Si se puede!"
Farmgirl Sister #2503 |
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sidavis
True Blue Farmgirl
125 Posts
Susan
Vero Beach
Fl
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 12:29:42 PM
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Here is an update to my handmade purses. I went to my daughter's and she and my son-in-law really liked the bags. My son in law asked me if I would donate one to the charity auction at an uppity golf club here in town. He is a big deal, something or other and has lots of connections. Together we named the bags "Lizzie Bags" because my dog Lizzie is always sitting by my side in the sewing room while I'm working. Gene (my son-in-law) said I should be selling the bags for $49.99 and have business cards made up, he'll set me up with a web site, etc. Yikes! I'm not sure if I want to get that crazy. I may be setting myself up for a big flop! Or, like my pottery business a while ago, it could get out of hand. Gene is talking of geting the local women to do the sewing for me, the cutting and I just merchandise the things. LOL And all I wanted to do was get a nice sized purse for myself. I'll keep you posted if interested. Am enclosing a photo of Lizzie, would love to put her picture on business cards!
OK, I'm ready-Let's go. |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 4:41:47 PM
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Susan...Lizzy is so adorable. Is she a Shi-Tzu mix? She is tiny. What...about 6-8 lbs? Just adorable.
I hear you about your SIL's enthusiasm and not necessarely wanting to go to those lengths. It is nice
to make a few to sell or swap and then move on to a new project. Starting a whole new business is a huge
commitment. And usually everyone's enthusiasm rarely translates into a profitable business.
blessings,
peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
When I was a lonely wallflower, Jesus asked me to dance. Then he asked me to be joyous, to be passionate, and to Be His! |
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kymomma4
True Blue Farmgirl
516 Posts
RoDonna
Frankfort
Kentucky
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2011 : 9:53:03 PM
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Susan, Your bags look wonderful. I've been working on recycling old blue jeans into purses and bags. I sent one as mail art this month. If you want to sell them try etsy or set up a booth at a local art fair. We have small festivals like the Apple Festival, Harvest Festival....a lot people sell homemade things and do really good at that. I may try it with my wreaths, bags, and centerpieces. OOHH...some churches have craft fairs closer to Christmas, too. Praying it works out for you!
Farmgirl #2361
"Blessed is the farmgirl who helps make the world a better and healthy place" ~ Me
www.youravon.com/rodonnacarson |
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sidavis
True Blue Farmgirl
125 Posts
Susan
Vero Beach
Fl
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 06:41:49 AM
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Love all of the feed back girls. Thanks so much! Peggy, Lizzie is an Lapso Apso, American Eskimo mix and weighs 18 lbs. She was the hardest puppy I ever had to train! She is 3 1/2 and the doggie fairy just delivered some more doggy brains and she is settling down and has become one of the best dogs (sorry Lizzie, I know you think you are a fuzzy person) I've ever had. She is deffinetly MY dog.
I also decided to try the price of $35.00 for the bags (seems fair to me, and I would buy one at that price) and to start with the craft fair booth idea. Don't really want to get stuck doing the whole "Have to make a ton of bags" thing. I did out and buy more fabric, only unusual stuff, and have enough to make 10 more "one of a kind" bags. I'm trying to keep it fun! Thanks for all your imput.
OK, I'm ready-Let's go. |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 08:56:41 AM
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Nice bags Susan and precious doggie. You never know where this adventure will take you.
Today I'm working on my sanity. Hahahaha. Been working on a blanket and I had somehow got off on the pattern. The edges are still ok but somewhere in the middle I had added some stitches or extended the pattern too far. I used a split ring marker to help get it back on track. It'll be one of those oopsies that the regular person would not notice. I'm glad the blanket is for me and not for a gift.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 10:38:31 AM
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Susan...this is Bella my Shi-tzu and I think Laso's look a lot like Shi-tzu's don't you? Bella is
18.5 lbs so very close to the same size as your Lizzie. She is 4 yrs old. She is smart as a whip and very
loyal and sweet. She does bark more than I wish...but other than that she is a real Love.
I like the idea that you will be making your purses all one of a kind pieces. If you bought anything
in purple I would be interested in buying a purse from you at $35.00 + postage. Let me know. Or if
you didn't but would accept a special order for one...I would love it.
Blessings,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
When I was a lonely wallflower, Jesus asked me to dance. Then he asked me to be joyous, to be passionate, and to Be His! |
Edited by - LadyInRed on Jul 21 2011 10:41:01 AM |
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mickib
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
Michele
Coeur d'Alene
Idaho
267 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 2:11:13 PM
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| Thanks Sheri for the info on lavender wands. I'll be using it this weekend. |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 3:32:37 PM
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Just let me add one trick to bending the stems without them braking that a friend taught me. Once you have the bundle tied with the ribbon, pinch the stems between your fingers to warm the stems up. If the stems are cold they will snap. It's best to work wands in a warm work place. Don't let the cut lavender sit out in the open for very long or it will dry out very quickly which can also cause the stems to break when bent. If I am doing quite a few at once, I will put them in a plastic bag to keep them moist. This only works for a few hours or they start to sweat which ruins the integrity of the blossoms. Happy weaving!
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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sidavis
True Blue Farmgirl
125 Posts
Susan
Vero Beach
Fl
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 06:55:18 AM
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Peggy, I just LOVE Bella! What an adorable dog. She looks smart and also ready to play. I'll bet Lizzie and Bella would love each other.
I'm very flattered that you would like to have one of my purses. I will e-mail you the fabric choices (in purple)and let you decide. Wow! My first sale. LOL
OK, I'm ready-Let's go. |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 08:22:48 AM
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Susan...Sounds Fabulous! ~ Yes...I bet Bella and Lizzie would get along great.
blessings,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
When I was a lonely wallflower, Jesus asked me to dance. Then he asked me to be joyous, to be passionate, and to Be His! |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 4:36:53 PM
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Today I cut and pinned together all the pieces for my Alice in Wonderland quilt. Tomorrow the sewing will commence!
~ Elaine
Farmgirl sister #2822
"Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things." ~Saki
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
http://gusandtrudy.blogspot.com |
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Bushel n Peck
True Blue Farmgirl
251 Posts
Tracy
Truly
MT
USA
251 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 7:55:34 PM
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I am making a new dress and apron for my very large Raggedy Ann doll. I have had this doll since I was a toddler; she was made by my grandmother. Her dress and apron are getting sunbleached and ratty looking, so the doll is getting farm girl make over!
Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.
C. S. Lewis
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sidavis
True Blue Farmgirl
125 Posts
Susan
Vero Beach
Fl
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2011 : 05:38:30 AM
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Wow! Sold some more "Lizzie Purses", can you believe it? Have ordered labels and made up some business (?) cards. So far it's been a blast and very good for my ego. I am doing some fabric today and looking for PURPLE! We are going camping for a few days at the air force base, lots of work for me (my husband is in the end stages of COPD) but at least we get a change of scenery. Lizzie loves to go camping, Henry (the rescue Brussels Griffon) is the welcome committee. We all have a great time. Then will come home and sew! Yeah.
OK, I'm ready-Let's go. |
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sidavis
True Blue Farmgirl
125 Posts
Susan
Vero Beach
Fl
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2011 : 05:39:57 AM
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That was supposed to say "fabric shopping". This computer can't keep up. LOL
OK, I'm ready-Let's go. |
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bobbinrobin
True Blue Farmgirl
590 Posts
Sharon
Newman Lake
WA
USA
590 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2011 : 06:32:54 AM
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Thanks to Sheep Mom 2, I'm making lavender wands. I made four of them yesterday, quick as a wink, but need to make one more as I will be seeing 5 friends this weekend and want to surprise each of them with that wonderful natural clean sweet aroma only lavender has.
How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. -G. Elliston
www.sharnymcclarny.etsy.com
www.bobbinrobin.etsy.com
www.sharnymcclarny.blogspot.com |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2011 : 12:52:57 PM
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| Sheri, thanks so much for the info on the lavender wands and baskets. Appreciate your help. We'll see how this goes. |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2011 : 4:05:11 PM
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I'm glad to know you are jumping in to lavender weaving. I just harvested enough for 6 wands and am about to start weaving in a few min. I just did my last strawberry picking and took the netting off to let the birds have at the remainder. It's been an extended season here because of the cooler temps. (I know - we are the only part of the country cooler than normal) but I got well over 100 lbs from my patch this year. Tomorrow is Strawberry jam day.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: What are you working on today?? |
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What are you working on today??
