Hi all,

I know, it's been awhile. A lot has been happening since I last posted.  I am going to do my best to post at least once a week from now on.

My Kumihimo has been going really well.  I entered two pieces, a necklace and a bracelet, in an Artist Walk we are having at the senior activity center I attend.  I don't want to post a picture pieces until after the event.  I think it will be judged and I don't want to jinx it.  But this will be my first judged show.  I know it won't be like the bigger shows, but it's a start.

I'd like to tell you about a blogspot site that I subscribed to.  It's called, "Inspirational Beading"  and I really like it.  I find a lot of inspiration in looking at everything that's posted.  Today, the feature was seed beads.  The owner posted a lot of pictures of different colored seed beads.  I have a large bowl of seed beads that I like to run my fingers through.  I love the feel of the beads between my fingers and gazing into the mixture of colors.  I hope you will check this site out.  Here is the link:  http://www.inspirationalbeading.blogspot.com/

Last weekend I attended the "Stitches South 2012" show here in Atlanta.  It was amazing!  The show was basically for knitters and crocheters, carrying a lot of yarns.  The colors, the textures of the different yarns,cords, and threads were great.  I saw a lot that I can incorporate into my Kumihimo. 

There were 2  booths there for Kumihimo, Moss Hollow Pottery and Primitive Originals.  I was able to meet the owners of both shops and enjoyed our conversations.  You'd be surprised at how beads  are being worked into knitting and crocheting.  I'd really like to see a show with a combination of equal beads and yarns.  To dream, to dream....  I plan to attend the show next year and take a class or two.  This show was an uplifting change from the normal bead shows.

While at the show, I was introduced to a new ancient craft, Viking Knit.  Viking Knit uses wire that is knitted around a rod.  Then, using what is called a 'paddle', the chain is dragged through holes that are drilled into the paddle.  Each hole is decreased in size causing the chain to get thinner and thinner.

There is an interesting history behind this art.  It is written that the Vikings used these chains at currency.  They used to cut pieces off to pay for their wares.  And as soon as I get a new camera, I will post pictures.  Also, if this sounds like a craft you'd like to give a try, just Google...  That's where I go to find out all I can about what I do.

Take care until next week...