I've got several projects in the works. One is a scarf that I didn't finish before Christmas. I'd been doing my knitting on plastic Knifty Knitter-like looms, but this scarf was on a wooden loom with metal pegs that are REALLY close together. The pegs being close together means the knitting takes MUCH longer. I'm roughly halfway done. It's going more quickly now since I'm a more efficient knitter, but it's still not anywhere as quick as the plastic looms.
Another project I've been working on is a baby blanket. I think this is going to be a gift for a family member who is expecting a little boy this summer. This project is my first on the Martha Stewart knitting loom and I have to say, I'm liking it. I usually avoid Martha because she annoys me, but one day I broke down and bought her loom set at Wal-Mart. I like the adjustability (is that a word?) of it. You can create lots of shapes and control how close together the pegs are.
Last, but definitely not least, is my Etsy store. This was an idea that has been bouncing around my brain for quite some time. I really do love making things, but I run out of people to give them to and it gets a little expensive. So, I thought that if I could just sell a few things, it would help kill two birds with one stone. I'd get to keep making things, and I'd have a tiny bit of money to buy new supplies. So, if you're interested, you can visit my store https://www.etsy.com/shop/OddmentsandEndments . Tell your friends! I have some items that would make wonderful Easter or Mother's Day gifts, and am adding new items regularly.
Okay .... On to what I'm posting today. First, let me warn you that it's not the most attractive thing I've ever made, but I'm excited about it anyway.
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| Oh, it's .... lovely? |
I know what you're saying.... That's the ugliest wreath I've ever seen ... but hear me out before you judge. Yes, it's a wreath-like thing. Yes, it's ugly. No, it's not for decoration. It's a yarn wreath for birds to use for nesting material!
There is a whole lot of yarn in my house, and some of it is too small a quantity to really be useful in any sort of knitting project. I'd seen several projects where people put out yarn scraps and dryer lint for birds to line their nests (just Google it). I wanted to do the same thing, but definitely didn't want to buy any new supplies. So, I went on a bit of a scavenger hunt through the house for something that would work.
I ended up using an old metal coat hanger, a metal slinky, floral wire, and a bit of paper ribbon because, if you think it's ugly now, you should have seen it BEFORE I added the bow. I cut the hook off the coat hanger with wire cutters and put the slinky on the wire. Then, I fashioned a circle shape with the wire (I wrapped the wire around itself to keep the o shape. Then, I used florist wire to re-attach the hook to the coat hanger wire and to attach the two ends of the slinky together. I probably could have saved a step by not cutting the hook off the coat hanger. Anyway, then I cut my yarn into bird sized lengths (I have not idea what that means ... I just cut it into varying lengths so they could be pulled out individually), and stuffed it into the slinky. TaDa! Now you can make your very own yarn wreath! Oh, and I added the bow because it really was butt ugly and even birds shouldn't have to look at something that ugly.
That's all for now! Don't forget about my new Etsy store and hopefully I'll be back here posting new stuff soon!
I am curious as to whether the birds selected the colorful yarn strips or if they favored muted, camo-like earthtones. Please let me know, as I am gathering all manner of natural materials such as pine needles; short, pliable bush stems;short, rigid sticks for supporting a nest; pieces of cotton balls I've teased into 1.5" to 2" easy-to-carry nest lining; strips of 100% cotton batting----oh, so soft and warm; dog hair; leaves; moss; very thin and slightly chunky bits of bark; an array of 100% cotton flannel in earthtones, greens,with some deep blue, not too flashy florals and 3-4 more colorful items; yarn cut in 4-6" lengths, of medium size and composed of 100% cotton. I selected several earthtone colors; some deeper, not flashy colors, like Indigo and Navy; some very pale pastels; and then I threw in 2-3 ombre yarns that had both muted and jewel tones mixed. I got a little red to snip up, because I read that some birds will put a little red into their nest as a warning color.
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired me to begin collecting nesting materials to put out mid- to late-February was reading that in some bird species,the MALE builds SEVERAL nests, hoping a potential mate will select one of his nests and breed. The little devil tries to convince another female to pick another of his nests. I thought....gee, I could help the guys along with some varied choices.
AND SO, AGAIN....do birds select from among your bright yarn offerings, or do they prefer muted colors; or,is it a toss-up?
BTW, I don't think your yarn wreath is ugly. It displays nest offerings in a very cute way.
I am curious as to whether the birds selected the colorful yarn strips or if they favored muted, camo-like earthtones. Please let me know, as I am gathering all manner of natural materials such as pine needles; short, pliable bush stems;short, rigid sticks for supporting a nest; pieces of cotton balls I've teased into 1.5" to 2" easy-to-carry nest lining; strips of 100% cotton batting----oh, so soft and warm; dog hair; leaves; moss; very thin and slightly chunky bits of bark; an array of 100% cotton flannel in earthtones, greens,with some deep blue, not too flashy florals and 3-4 more colorful items; yarn cut in 4-6" lengths, of medium size and composed of 100% cotton. I selected several earthtone colors; some deeper, not flashy colors, like Indigo and Navy; some very pale pastels; and then I threw in 2-3 ombre yarns that had both muted and jewel tones mixed. I got a little red to snip up, because I read that some birds will put a little red into their nest as a warning color.
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired me to begin collecting nesting materials to put out mid- to late-February was reading that in some bird species,the MALE builds SEVERAL nests, hoping a potential mate will select one of his nests and breed. The little devil tries to convince another female to pick another of his nests. I thought....gee, I could help the guys along with some varied choices.
AND SO, AGAIN....do birds select from among your bright yarn offerings, or do they prefer muted colors; or,is it a toss-up?
BTW, I don't think your yarn wreath is ugly. It displays nest offerings in a very cute way.
Maybe you should read what the U S Fish and Wildlife has to say about appropriate nesting materials for birds. Only natural fibers are ok, but dyed, processed, read commercially made yarns used by crafters is NOT. The chemicals used in processing and dying are toxic. Interweave has a PSA on their website too.
ReplyDeleteI had planned on making something similar this year. I love yours. And I don’t think it’s ugly at all. What a cool thing to have in the yard. Thanks for sharing. - Jayne
ReplyDelete