Well, Gang, I have two prototypes for the needle holders sitting on my greenware rack.
One is the tall, slightly flared cylinder I had first decided on - right now it's about 10 inches high with an inside diameter of 4 1/2 inches - it'll shrink a bit as it dries and then some more when it's high-fired.
The other is multi-compartmented - a taller, straight-sided cylinder (same dimensions) in the center with 2 shorter side pieces. I was having trouble getting staggered height cylinders (tubes) that I was happy with so I decided to make only 2 components and cut the shorter one (5 inches) in half and attached one half on either side of the taller one. I like it - I think the fiber shop people will, too.
I don't have any pictures yet - any pottery is terribly unimpressive until it's been dressed in it's final glaze finish. I'll send a link for pictures, but it will be a couple of weeks by the time it's been bisqued, glazed and re-fired.
Freecycle! What would we do without it? I've been a strong advocate for several years. Our local group is very active and for those in need has been a tremendous help. I like being able to find a home for that small bit of insulation that would otherwise end up in the dump or the bookcases that I no longer need/want that will find a good place with a home-school group. Just today, I was able to drop off a grocery bag of empty prescription med bottles for a church group that uses them for missionary work, found homes for all of those daylilies that keep trying to creep their way out of their beds, several hills of rhubarb because I'm thinning down my patch, a large bag of cotton scraps to a lady who makes quilts for Operation Linus and a box of paperback books that the library doesn't seem to want.
Yep - Freecycle works for me!!!! I've been able to locate necessary items for the college that others would normally dispose of - our Fine Arts department is always scrounging for one thing or another. I now have group members touching bases with me before they even consider a post based on my previous requests with our wants/needs.
So, how do I work? One project or many? Let's count what I have in the works at this point - no laughing, please - giggling is allowed, but outright laughing and large guffaws may be considered in poor taste.
1 prayer shawl 1 afghan 3 scarves that just never could get finished - maybe next winter 2 dog sweaters - can't seem to get the fit right for the little, tiny chihuahua that lives next door 1 pair of potholders that still need to be felted 1 neck-cowlI think that's it - I think........
OMG - I think there's another scarf somewhere around here - started it for my daughter before Thanksgiving and just hated the way the yarn fights me at every turn so didn't finish it. Didn't rip it out either
- just abandoned the poor thing.
Another question, please?
I work in what's commonly referred to in other circles as "Potter's Time". That's when you tell your lovely, patient daughter (or son, or husband, or wife, or whomever) "I'll be there in about an hour....." and she/he says "Uh-huh, yeah, riiiiiiight." The formula - take the time stated, multiply it by 4 and add 15 minutes.
Anybody else work this way? You wouldn't believe how many family functions I've been late for because of it.
Els, I thought of you today while I was looking at that loom again, wondering why I don't just get it going. Since I've gotten the needle holders underway, there's no earthly reason why I can't - a scarf it is to start with. I believe I'll take a large tote bag with me tomorrow to carry all the goodies I just know I'll find. (I wonder if I have any room left for more yarns in the closet in the spare room......)
Time for bed - just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that your advice was well received and I'm very grateful for it. Thank you.
Take care - have a good tomorrow,
Lori