Thursday, September 30, 2010

Nuno felting

This was my first attempt at nuno felting.  This type of felting is where wool is felted on to other fabric.  I used cotton chiffon and it did work but if was very hard work!  I think I will use something finer next time, hopefully silk or something.

This is what it looks like spread out.  The felt is around the edges and also on the scarf itself.

First attempt at Nuno felting

As the wool felts up it brings the chiffon with it creating a cool texture. The edge was made with light pink wool.

First attempt at Nuno felting

I used grey and pink wool for the circles and waves in the middle of the scarf.

First attempt at Nuno felting

Here I am modelling it. Ignore my stupid grimace.  I wore it to the conference where I presented a paper with my colleague. A couple of folks admired it. :-P

Me modelling first attempt at nuno felting

I think I'm finally ready to move on to felting something with a resist. Hopefully a beret. 

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Spring?

well I have some flowers at least.  These ones will be winging their way to Rachel for a very belated birthday present!


As for the weather - bah humbug.

What has been happening round here?

1. We have had a run of birthdays - Sept is our "birthday" month in our family.  My 2 sisters, SIL and Mr7 all have birthdays one after the other.  Mr7 was stoked to get lots and lots of lego which is his current obsession.  (Thomas is on the out and out).  Fortunately I've been keeping an eye on the sales and got some good deals.


He had a low key party with some mates over to play lego.


And of course, the inevitable train cake which he requests every year since I bought this particular cake pan.  Worth the NZ$25.00!

2. We have had more than our fair share of sickies.  Various permutations of the cold virus with a bit of tonsillitis for Mr7 thrown in.

3. I have to give a paper at an e-fest in Hamilton with a colleague of mine. Neither of us were particularly keen but we were shoulder tapped to do it. It's the first time I've done this sort of presentation.

4. DH got 9 images accepted for a book being published in November by the publisher Potton.  It's going to be called New Zealand: Eye on the Landscape so if you see it take a look.  DH is feeling chuffed about this one and rightly so.

Personally I am ready for some decent weather and a few days off during the school holidays.  

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Have you read/listened

To my librarian colleague Michael's podiobook The Spiral Tattoo?

Here is the blurb:
When you're six inches tall and can fly, life can be tough in a big persons world. What better then than to be partnered with a seven foot troll. She’s the brawn and I’m the brains, and if you believe that I have a castle to sell you. She joined the guard to gain respectability, I joined the guard to escape. I’m Gurt and she’s Elanore Fursk. Don’t forget it.

In the darkened alleys of Delvenport the discovery of a naked corpse sets off a surprising chain of events. Leads will unravel at every turn, although Elanore appears to know what’s going on. I just tag along for the ride. With the rising tide of drugs, magic and ambition that threatens to engulf our city, trouble will lurk in our every shadow. But as long as no-one puts a knife in Elanore, or calls me a girly voiced fairy then the bodies won’t be piled too high.

Otherwise all bets are off!
I had the honour of reading the manuscript and enjoyed it a lot - am looking forward to the sequel. :-P  No pressure Michael!

If you like crime, mystery and especially in a different world then this one will appeal.