Author Archives: Jess

back tack– on its way to CA

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I’ve had the bag done for quite a while, but collecting and crafting the goodies inside concluded Monday, and today I was able to steal some time with good lighting to take pictures.

The bag is pretty simple in its construction. It’s made of some thrifted wool fabric that I felted (the technical term for “washed it in hot water so it would shrink”) and lined with Amy Butler Charm fabrics. There’s also a little pouch made to match the lining, and both have rug flower pins to add some fun.

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Table of Contents:
* “Hook Tiny: tips for rug hooking on a very small scale” — a little card with, yes, a rug flower

* a little rug hooked pincushion, which is a little wonky and imperfect, so I hope she likes it

* a pocket journal that fits right into the color scheme

* linen rug backing

* a little book of how to hook

* an emroidery hoop

* a rug hook

* glue for finishing little projects

* and some of that wool I dyed all cut up and ready for rugs

I hope my partner likes it. It has been really fun making this bag and filling it with stuff. It’s got me thinking about Christmas gifts. Hmmm…

It came!! It came!!

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My back tack II bag came from Margie!! She was very thoughtful of me as a mom of 3 little ones and made a good sized bag with lots of pockets.

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I can fit my planner, a sketchbook, a diaper, a snack, a book to read, maybe even a small project–and yet it is not too big to carry around everywhere. I used it at church yesterday. I just totally love it. It is so well made– and there are squirrels and acorns on the lining fabric. So FUN!

To keep me busy she sent some tools for lino-cutting. YIPPEE!! I will be using them by the end of the week. I can’t wait. Also, there is some fun paper and some fabric tape to stamp on and make seedpod labels– which will be very cool on my books and bears and other things.

She had to pay an arm and a leg to get it to me, because she’s in Australia–hence to Koala Caremello candies (which are almost all gone now).

Take a close look at the post card she sent with a little note. It is lovely– a linocut by book artist Ilse van Garderen.

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Back tack was sure a fun game to play.

I finished up my bag and kit to send today, so I’ll take pictures tomorrow when I can get some good light.

Flowers

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I’m getting the finishing touches done on my back-tack project. I’m putting together a little rug-hooking kit, so I’m decorating my bag with little rug-hooked flowers using this fabric.

These are so fun and fast. I think I’ll make some for myself to salvage my clogs.

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And here’s some real flower inspiration. My crowning flower gardening acheivement this summer were these prolific blanket flowers (ghalardia)– because they are drought resistent and handle complete neglect.

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