Fiber Arts at Smithsonian American Art Museum: Mariska Karasz

I don't fall in love easily these days, but it would be wrong of me not to share these beautiful works of fiber art by Mariska Karasz.

I adore the following 2 pieces, and you can see more on  SAAM by clicking the artists name above.

I tend to strive for perfection when I use string to create works of art. So afraid a string or knot or weave will be out of line or out of place etc.  I believe it is one of the things that holds me back from truly expressing myself using this medium.

These breath-taking pieces help me see what is possible when you just let go and do what you love to do.

Nothing less than amazing and the thing that makes it so perfect... is imperfection.

Skeins | Smithsonian American Art Museum

Mariska Karasz, Skeins, ca. 1950, linen, cotton, and wool, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and museum purchase through the Smithsonian Institution Collections Acquisition Program, 1992.117, © 1952, F. Schumacher and Co.

Procession | Smithsonian American Art Museum

Mariska Karasz, Procession, ca. 1955, embroidered wool and cotton, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Solveig Cox and Rosamond Berg Bassett in memory of their mother, Mariska Karasz, 1991.132.4

Pattern Share for Friendship Bracelet / Micro Macrame Projects!

Hello everybody! Happy July! It's hard to believe that summer is here. My apologies for not being very active on this blog lately. I do have plans to bring you more updates, including tutorials, shares, freebies and more. 

I even created a new logo (see header) to get things heated up.  For now, check out some beautiful patterns I found over at Friendship-Bracelet.net. 

I will see you all very soon. Happy a very happy 4th of July!

-Jennifer

Bringing the pink to life...

It's been a while so I thought I would post an update. I took an extended break after the holidays, but I have started some new designs and hope to have some great things to post in the future.

Remember the pink haired gal I created before Mr. Freeman? I am finally bringing her to life. I don't know if any of you knotted her to fruition... but I can't wait to see her and share her with you when she is done. Here is my progress so far -

Morgan Freeman Tapestry - Free Chart

Mr. Freeman was the first man I ever hand knotted. It was a request by Christopher, but we both truly love the work of Mr. Freeman... so it was an easy request to fill.

I am offering the chart I created to make it - free to other fans that may want to use it. The chart can be used to make a tapestry, a blanket... whatever craft you are doing that involves a charted design. Enjoy

If you are a fan of Morgan Freeman, a couple a movies (off the beaten path) that you may not have seen, are 10 Items or Less (2006) - IMDb and 5 Flights Up (2014) - IMDb - I just love them both.

If you are looking for more things that are free - check out my other website - Creative Public - it is a compendium of resources to all kinds of things in the public domain.

Pretty In Pink! - Free Chart!

I am proud to offer this chart free for your crafting pleasure. She'd make a lovely cross stitch piece, or a mini tapestry via hand-knotting as I've begun to do.  Feel free to shake it up - change the color scheme etc.  Enjoy and please share your finished pieces if you want. I'd love to see what you can do!

A free charted design created by Jennifer at JenifersKnotHome.com

15 Floral Watercolor Designs in the Public Domain

This is such a fun collection. 

Publication date 1890 - 15 sheets, size varies. Some stamped New York School of Applied Design. A number signed A.H. Smith, on front or back, 1906 & 1907, done in watercolor. One floral rug design, marked circa 1890 - Forms part of the Mary Ann Beinecke Decorative Art Collection (Internet Archive)

Album Delle Signore - Vintage Cross Stitch Charts in Color!

A special thank you to the AntiquePatternLibrary.org for making this, and many other wonderful vintage books available.