Oh Oh, Lampwork Beads

Here We Go...

Off into the world of beads, that is. 

Marcia said we shouldn't miss the opportunity to see the lampbead work by Heather Trimlett, and Kristina Logan. She said that it's nearly impossible to see these two fantastic bead artists together. So, Gail and I, being the dutiful minders we are to any Marcia DeCoster suggestions, happily trot off to handle beads. Handle, mind you, HANDLE. Susan was the

sensible one. She knows her weaknesses, and thought the temptation might just be too great, so she; Miss Sensible, stayed away. 

The top picture is the AMAZING glass fusion art by Kristina Logan. I will just say that soon Gail and I will each have a custom piece by Kristina. We only have our egg-each-other-on selves to blame for that. Plus, we can blame Kristina, and all her incredible fabulous-artistic-ness that is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Needless to say, our pieces will each match our Taboo rings. Everyone else will just have to drool when we are sporting these extra special jeweled treasures. That's all I can say about it, except for this. Yes, Gail, I did tell my husband...

Then, the bottom photo are beads by both Kristina and Heather. Soon, they will become some fabulous items which will adorn some part of my anatomy. Not sure yet, but thinking ears... All blame will be placed on Marcia's shoulders, though I'm sure she will say that she warned us.

A Special Evening With Louisa Harding

A Very Big Treat

Louisa Harding came to the Grove last night, and knitters turned out left and right to hear how Louisa got to where she is now. Her stories were delightful and inspiring. She brought a trunkful of her knitted sweater beauties, and we even got a sneak peek of her Spring line (shhhh, I'm sworn to secrecy). It was a special evening, and made even more so by Susan and Anne, and helpers Judy and Gail, among many others. What a fabulous time! 

Note to self; next time, knit up a Louisa Harding sweater, and wear THAT. Though my special Fair Isle sweater from Vogue Knitting does look rather nice, as a second choice...

"Fakes" Renamed as Ms. Val's

No More "Fake" Mrs. Beetons

The thing is that "fake" just cheapens them, and they are sooo great, they need a special category all their own. So, now the Mrs. Beeton knock offs (man, that sounds even worse) are now an entity of their

 own, and they are now called Ms.Val's. Yes, "Ms. Val's Wristwarmers". It does sound nice, don't you think? Thanks to Gail for that. She really set me straight!

This pair are the special Valentine's Day pair. They are made from recycled cashmere sweaters, and are as soft and as light as a feather.  A little heart button on the backside, for a sweet message of love. Just so you know, they pull on over the hands, I don't expect chilly people to take the time for the buttons, when you are so cold and all. For you people who get a tad chilly, these are just the ticket. Fashionable too, don't you know...

Mrs. Beeton, All You Want to Know, and More

All About the Mrs. Beeton Wristwarmers

Well, ask and you shall find out more than you ever really wanted to know about these wonderful wristwarmers...

First, the real Mrs. Beetons. These lovely orange pair are so special that I will not take them off in public for fear they will be swiped! (Read the next post for specifics on knitting your own pair of Mrs. Beetons) These Mrs Bs command so much attention when worn, I have to remember about their special-ness when they are on my wrists. The close up photo shows the 

beaded loveliness, which is something that

makes these very wonderful.

Now, for the "Fakes"

Okay, I know they aren't the real thing, but you have to admit they are still pretty great. They are made from recycled sweater "fabric" and beautiful cotton crocheted trims.  These fakes are pretty good, and I am excited to wear them out on the town to see if they will get the same reaction as the Mrs Bs. The main problem is that I only want to wear the real Mrs Bs.... sigh.

A note about the Purses

Happily, my purses have been a hit with the ladies. I was looking for a way to bring recycled sweater goods to the ladies market, and the purses seemed like a great way to do this. My beautiful Japanese Blossom purse has sold several times over, and has a newly designed Bird back. Please view the photos of this beautiful bag in my etsy shop: www.valsartstudio.etsy.com. 

This lovely grey purse is a custom evening bag created for a client who found me

through Austin's Gallery. Perfect with the Fake Mrs Bs, don't you agree?!