Thursday, February 7, 2013

It's a Wrap~

Beautiful yarns are my passion ~~


For me~
it's the way they make me feel.
 I love to touch them-
to play with them-
mixing the colors and textures together
in unusual ways.

And -- if beautiful yarns aren't enough of an obsession---
then just sit me down with a box of beads!
(actually a HUGE box of beads!) 



Fringe--
I love making beautiful fringe!
(I go through every bit of yarn that I have - pulling out the colors that I want to use --
sometimes I will have 50-60 different yarns chosen to use
when I make the fringe for my wraps.)



If I'm not making nests --
I think I am happiest when I am creating one of my wraps.




These wraps came and went out of my ETSY shop
so fast - that I did not get a chance to share them with you.
So~ even though they are already gone to happy homes --
I wanted to share them with you now.  



These colors reminded me of a Carnival~
When I mixed them all together for the fringe-
 it was magnificent!



The beading takes anywhere from 8-12 hours to complete.
each bead is sewn on by me -
one little bead at a time.
(This wrap was commissioned as a gift for someone
 in need of a healing touch. 
 I filled this wrap with prayers as I sewed on every precious bead.) 


Each wrap is slightly felted after it is knitted -
making it ever so soft and WARM!!


Do you have something
 that you love to create above all else?
Working on these wraps --
brings a special kind of peace to my soul.
It's that "ahhhh" feeling. 


Red is a fashion statement!
When you wear red you are saying-
"Look at me!"


I like to make my wraps LONG!
They are almost 76 inches in length --
and then I add 12 inches of beautiful fringe
 on each end! 

I loved this wrap so much --
that after I made the one that was commissioned-
I had to make another one
 for myself!


~Autumn Haze~
the colors of fall reflected by the glow
 of the late afternoon sun


Is there a 12 step program for fringe addictions?
I am so in love with the way these
yarns play together~


How do I choose the colors?
Easy --I let the yarns speak to me~~
("pick me - pick me!!")



These colors called to me~
they remind me of the blues of the ocean and sky
 where they meet on the horizon.


Exquisite yarns --
I love only the most beautiful yarns! 
(Sometimes it takes me hours to decide on the yarns 
I want to use for my fringe.)
But -- ohhh how I love choosing the yarns!


Sometimes when I have one made -- I list it in my ETSY shop.
But most of the time --
 these wraps are specially commissioned. 
(that way you can choose your own colors!)


I've been collecting my thoughts in regards to knitting
and the way it makes me feel~
(yes - I know you think I'm crazy!)
I will be dedicating an upcoming post to knitting -- why I knit -- the way it makes me feel --
the reason why I can't NOT knit. 
So - please wait to decide on my "crazy" status - until after that post!!! 


~~~~~~~
When I am NOT knitting -- I will also admit to a little Pinterest obsession~~

~a collection of some of my favorite images ~
from my
"Winter Blues" board
(all images courtesy of Pinterest)


You can find my Pinterest collections here~
~~~
Regarding Pinterest --
you are welcome to add images from my blog to your Pinterest boards.
You don't even have to ask
as long as it's for your Pinterest Board!
(please do ask if you wish to use them for other purposes --)




Coming up next ---
Last year's 20 Questions post was so much fun -- that I wanted to do it again!  I've been saving all the questions that you have sent to me throughout this past year-- I'll answer 20 more of them and also share some of our travel photos along the way.  So plan to be here if you want to learn more totally useless stuff about me -- 
xoxo,
Vicki
~~~
ps -- I can not even begin to tell you how much I love you all for the comments and appreciation that you have shown to me regarding the Grow Your Blog party.  I am so happy that it has been a success -- and YES - we will do it again next year.  Thank you all so much for taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed it and how your blogs have grown.  My only regret is that I can't possibly respond personally to each of you who left a comment. So can I just say now -- that I love you all!    

64 comments:

Patty said...

Beautiful pieces! One is prettier than the other!

PoetessWug said...

What beautiful wraps, Vicki!!! I love the colors. And it appears that we both let our colors pick us!! ^_^ Mine happens very quickly though. LOL It's nice to see a happy knitter. I appreciate your love for it, as I am a happy crocheter! :-)

Createology said...

Your passion for yarns, knitting and sewing little beads is happily coming forth in your creations. Each one so blissfully beautiful. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

Maureen said...

Those are all absolutely beautiful! You do such incredible work on your lovely creations Vicki... I feel warmer just LOOKING at the photos of those wraps! I can't imagine how wonderful they must feel. Awesome.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!
Love the beading!

Dagmar said...

Hi Vicki,
You have shared so much love with all of us with your amazing spirit. I personally visited each of the 400 bloggers you had on your list..Most of them I left a message or became a follower..it was so rewarding to see how each one of us craft and create.
Your knitting is so comforting, the colors, Devine!
I hope where ever you are at the moment you are filled with happiness and joy!
xox
sweet hugs,
Dagmar

kathyinozarks said...

your wraps are just gorgeous-I love your bead work and all that fringe too. gorgeous photography-hugs

kathyinozarks said...

your wraps are just gorgeous-I love your bead work and all that fringe too. gorgeous photography-hugs

Jocelyn said...

Your wraps are gorgeous. I wish I could make fringe that pretty. Mine always look raggity. Maybe you could share a tutorial???

Barbara F. said...

You're very very talented. Each wrap tells a story, it seems, with the colors of the yarn. So beautiful. The type of yarn you choose is meant to be worked with talented fingers!!! Love the fringe. One day I would like to treat myself to one. xo

Sherrie {Bird Lady} said...

I have a whole new respect for knitting. Who knew such beautiful creations were possible. I would love to snuggle in one of your wraps.

~ Sherrie (Bird Lady)

http://www.birdladyblog.blogspot.com

Hindustanka said...

hi, Vicki!
you create really unusual shawls, they are beautiful! Keep it up, I'm sure those who purchased them are more than happy!
Have a nice day!
Anna

Denise said...

I have to go searching your shop now to see how much they cost.I LOVE THEM!

Ada Plouvier-Kopitopoulou said...

Whah! Beautiful those wraps, they look so comfy! I can understand that they sell immediately on Etsy.

Kim Stevens said...

These wraps are absolutely gorgeous!

Tanya said...

These are BREATHTAKING - each and every one! And, what is it about fringe...I was in our LYS the other day, and the owner was talking to a novice knitter about "getting to the end so she could add fringe"...and then I think she went, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! Someone else in the store told me she gets giddy about adding fringe. You're in good company, evidently, my friend!

Happy Weekend, Vicki - XOXO Tanya

marda said...

Your wraps are so beautiful Vicki... I ALMOST bought one from your shop... while I was still pondering someone else grabbed it.
I have to think it was "meant to be" for that person!! Your work is just awe inspiring...a real treat for the eyes. Wish I could reach out and touch them.

Shane Pollard said...

Dearest Vicki
Oh those wraps are divine - I especially aDORe the first one - just love the colour.
I'm not surprised they vanished off your Etsy!

I'll be back for 20 questions!!

very warm hugs and love
Shane ♥

Tanna said...

Gorgeous wraps, Vicki!!! Love them each and every one!! I do understand the process of choosing and hearing the yarns whisper!! ;) I'll look forward to your post on knitting... I am guessing it will resonate with my own love of the art. blessings ~ tanna

SummersStudio said...

Your wraps are so beautiful and I can feel the love that's infused in each stitch. I love that you intuitively choose the colors and yarns. I think that might be a large part of what makes them so special. And the beads..of course I have a weakness for beads. Can't wait to hear about your reasons for knitting.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Vicki, All your wraps are glorious but I think the shades of Purple one was the most exquisite to me. Your Pinterest Board photos are very cheery they would certainly sent away the Winter Blues. Hugs Judy

Carole said...

Stunning work Vicki. I love the colors you worked with and that awesome fringe. My friend, you are one fabulous gal. Love...Carole xox

gracie said...

I love them all. Instead of a sweater, I prefer shawls and wraps...

Unknown said...

Yo no pienso que estás loca, pienso que tienes un don de hacer cosas maravillosas.
besos

Acorn to Oak said...

Beautiful wraps! I love the soft look of each one and all the different textures of yarn in the fringe.

Oooh...your pinterest finds are so pretty! And, I love the soft blue colors.

Jann said...

Absolutely,stunningly gorgeous, all of them! I am continually amazed at the beautiful pieces you create--you truly have a special gift . . .

aKuna Kumara said...

As always you inspire me...I so enjoy your posts and love the wraps..

Unknown said...

Your wraps are crazy gorgeous! I can see why they fly out of your store so quickly. The colors are wonderful.

Julie Marie said...

Those are sooo beautiful Vicki!... oooh, I would have bought that first lavender one if it wasn't already sold... I love yarn too... even though I do not knit, only crochet, I love my little stash of yarn, even just to look at and hold it in my fingers... xoxo Julie Marie

Carol said...

Your wraps are amazing and I totally see why they flew out of your shop!!! I'm addicted to making crocheted hats. I've been making them for family and friends for years and last year I decided to make and donate 50 hats to local charities. I had so much fun that I have already started on this years hat donations and hope to get at least one hundred done. I didn't start until Sept. last year so I should have amble time for this years projects.

Kelly said...

Knitting is one thing that I would love to learn. Crocheting is beautiful in it's own way, but there is nothing like the look of knitted fabric! Those wraps you made are beautiful! I can see how that peace floods your soul as you are creating such beautiful pieces! Thank you for sharing them with us! Have a blessed weekend! Kelly xoxo

p.s. My follower count went from 14 to 31 during the Grow Your Own Blog Party. It was such a blast!

Susan said...

As the owner of one of your gorgeous wraps I can handle to their beauty and lushness. I also bought one for my dil that is equally divine. I knit and crochet myself, but how heavenly to enjoy someone else's work. I hope to have a nest one day. I can only imagine what they must be like in person.

Karen Valentine said...

Oh I soooo understand!!! Fibers, fabric, lace, beads... it's all yummy! They all have such beautiful colors and textures!! And you create such beautiful things with your yarns Vicki!! It's so much fun to watch it go from a ball of yarn to a lovely scarf isn't it??? I'm so glad to hear the party was a huge success. I bet next year it's even bigger!!
Have a lovely weekend my friend!!
xo,
Karen

lynn cockrell said...

Vicki, these wraps are all totally, out of this world, gorgeous!

LesleyAnn said...

I love your knitting projects. Do you have a particular place from where you purchase your yarns?

Blessings,
LesleyAnn

dreamchallenge said...

I think the carnival is one of my favorites next to the red. Red makes my heart happy. LU. Jan

Suztats said...

Is fringe obsession contagious? I think I caught the bug!
Such gorgeous fringes on your wraps. Delicious.

Miss LindaLee said...

Beautiful wraps Vicki. Beautiful! I don't thing you're crazy at all when it comes to choosing your yarn. I've always said that if you love colors you can feel them, and I think that's a big part of the yarn choices. You also have the textures as well that speak to you. You're one cool lady Vicki.
LindaLee from
CrossN' My Stitches

sjmcdowell said...

I adore everything you make dear Vicki!!!
I am the proud owner of the Ocean Mist Shawl...I have it on my bed, and use it every evening while watching a movie! When summer comes...I will take it with me to Savannah, and show it off!! Lol

Love you and God Bless you always,

Susan
XOXOXOX

Robyn said...

Such stunning beauty, Vicki! What a remarkable woman youare.

Elderberry-Rob said...

Fabulous! I love the purple one but all of them are so soft and cosy looking - I have not see this kind of yarn. Lovely.

Gert said...

Oh....my you do such beautiful work!! You are so gifted!!
Thank you soooo much for sharing!

Blessings,
Gert

Terry said...

Vicki,

Those shawls are exquisite! I share your addiction to gorgeous yarn. I attended Vogue Knitting Live NYC a few weeks ago, and I thought I was in heaven. My love is knit felting fabric to make pillows and handbags. Then I needle felt a design onto them. For your Grow Your Blog Party I created my first knit and needle felted picture that I framed and gave away to someone who posted on my blog. Now I have a passion for creating those. Thank you! Your blog party inspired me to create it.

I love your blog! You inspire me in both my knitting and my blogging. Thank you!

Love,
Terry

Cindy Adkins said...

Gorgeous yarns and your blog is beautiful. I'm a new follower (recommended by my facebook friend Susan Rix!)

Bears with a HEART said...

Vicki, your wraps are so beautiful,
I can feel the warmth here, so far away.

And I can understand your feelings about the "speaking yarn" .....
I started knitting when I was six years old and never stopped.
Seeing me in a yarn shop ..... looking at all the beautiful yarns,
the colours, the look,
how they feel, what they express and all my thoughts at that moment.
The lady in the shop knows she can leave me there
and knows I do not need "a talk" while I am thinking :-).
The beads are great too,
wished you could see all the old beads I still have and am working with from old times long time ago.

Bumpkin Hill said...

Love them, i can understand your obsession with yarn, especially the lovely soft ones and all those colours! So glad to find you on Pinterest too, just followed some of your boards. Catherine xx

Fundy Blue said...

What an exquisite post, Vicki! Your wraps are lovely! I felt this way about the students I taught, but unfortunately I can't publish their beautiful faces. One of the things I want to get into, having recently retired, is knitting. I too love beautiful yarns and textures. Have a good weekend.

Sherri said...

Vicki, I am a knitter so I know how much work goes into those wraps you made! Just absolutely gorgeous! What tiny beads you put on those wraps-such work. You are a true artist-just lovely!!! HUGS to you my friend!

Unknown said...

I am totally in love with the purple!! Gorgeous Work!!

Happy Crafting
Tracie
http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Vicki, the work of your hands and heart is breathtakingly beautiful.
Your GYB Party was so much fun and there are so many new blog friends; thank you!

Jeanne said...

Do you sell these wraps? They are awesome and look like you are so creative with the yarn. I love the first one you posted... the purple on the rail. Is it for sale? I would buy it. Gorgeous

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Vicki, Vicki, Vicki! Girl! I don't know how you manage to do it all. I know, I've said that before. Your shawls are absolutely breathtakingly amazingly beautiful! The fringe really gives them that extra WOW factor! My hairdresser and friend, Kathy, is like you with knitting up such beautiful wraps and shawls and then adding just that right touch of fringe and bling to make it even more gorgeous. I certainly don't think you are crazy! Well, maybe crazy in a good way! Definitely passionate in everything you do and that's to be admired. Wishing you a fabulous day and a wonderful new week. Tammy

Mr Paul said...

I really do think you should be making these wraps available at department stores Vicki. They remind me of some scarfs liberty stock at Christmas. I have left my bead days behind me now but when I worked in Paris I loved getting lost in 'beadworld' as we called it. Paul.

Dorthe said...

Oh my dear Vivki,
your wraps are so lovely,warm and gorgeous looking ,each telling it`s own story- and such a wonderful finish with the beads.
Truly works of love.
Also love to you from me.
Dorthe

Art From The heart said...

These are too beautiful for words Vicki.
I love each one,the colors and truly appreciate the labor of love and hours put into these.
So very creative.
Hugs

Carole said...

Ok I am convinced now that you never sleep:)haha You must be a speed knitter. I know you love knitting as it is so calming it's like the worries of the day just go away. I just feel guilty after I've let other things slide. Ok I'm making this comment all about me:(
You were so nice to do the blog event ...so much work but if anyone could do it it is you.....big heart that you have to want to help so many out there.
Big hugs
Carole

Julia said...

Your wraps are wonderful.
JB

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Oh honey, you have SO MANY more passions than beautiful yarn! You are overflowing with passion.

Sending warm love across the miles,

S

Deborah Keyes said...

Enjoyed looki at your wraps.. they each seem to have their own personality...... How does one choose when they want to purchase? They all are so vibrant and unique. wow...
You truly have a gift.

Kadee Willow said...

You can feel the warmth and care you put into these just from the photos alone! 12 inches of fringe?? To die for! 8 - 12 hours on beading?? All done while sending healing prayers for the owner! You are amazing and your work says it all!

Unknown said...

So beautiful. I love it all especially the knitted bird nest, so pretty and sweet. :)
Mind to follow each other? Let me know. :)
http://tasiawijayanti.blogspot.com/

xx

Taylor Kay said...

Hello!
I am a new follower!
I just LOVE those scarves! The colors are absolutely gorgeous! :)

Taylor Kay

Willow said...

Oh that post made me feel warm, colorful, soft and so inspired ...that I sincerely want to by some lovely yarn and crochet again. I know that peaceful feeling it brings and haven't felt it in so long. Beautiful work you do, simply beautiful and heartfelt!

cer rental Delhi said...

Gorgeous!
Love the beading!