[Nfb-krafters-korner] Intro

[Sharon Hooley]

Hi Terry!  I'm glad I finally found you!

Well, I remember my mom sending me one or more packages of small square 
pieces of plastic canvas as something to do while I was away at a boarding 
high school, and hung out with my elderly grandma on weekends.  I wanted 
something to do while she did her own handiwork such as braiding rugs.  At 
some point, Mom gave me ideas of what stitches I could make.  It was one of 
the easiest types of craft I've ever learned, and I worked with it off and 
on over the years.  I got ideas, from others and from some samples, of how I 
can make two or three dimensional things, and started creating my own 
patterns.  I've made toilet paper covers, coasters, (including your block 
loop design), writing pad holders with a place for a pen and stray papers. 
I've made my own playing card holder, though it didn't turn out the way I 
would have liked.  I guess I'll have to try again.  I even tried making my 
own money organizer, with slots for dollar bills and change, but gave it up 
in the end.  I probably didn't use the right yarn, it was coarse and stiff, 
and could easily untie.  I'm considering trying again, in a different 
design, that will be smaller than my wallet, since I now wear a smaller 
fanny pack.  It will also have slots for important cards.

My biggest project has been to make my very own canvas organizer.  When I 
got one nearly done, I changed my mind, took the pieces apart, and started 
over with a different design.  I'm frustrated now, because I made a tear in 
some of the large panels.  I've considered taking them apart again and using 
a double layer of canvas sheets to make it sturdier.

Right now I'm taking a break and trying an idea that's new to me; making 
another writing pad holder, but folding it together rather than cutting out 
parts and stitching them together, front cover, spine, and back cover.  I am 
also making most of the edging using the technique you taught me, making the 
full stitches and neat corners, as you do for the block loop coasters.

I'm not too picky about yarn, and don't know much about what I should use 
when.  So I'll need help with that.

I do most of my work while I attend mental health day treatment five days a 
week.  Right now I feel kind of tired of it, since I've been doing it for a 
long stretch when I'm motivated.  At some point I might take a complete 
break and do something else, but now I still want to give and share ideas.

Later!

Sharon