Wednesday, February 1, 2012

extra yarn














in an effort to work from my stash, i made a felted yarn bowl with wool on hand, extra yarn. the cut out happened after the felting and the bowl was dry. i'm surprised, it's working fairly well, the wool does catch some, trying to think what i can do to remedy that.
this is brown sheep lamb's pride bulky weight in the color eggplant. i think. i've misplaced the band somehow. inspired by watching one of my favorite movies last week, and trying my hand at needle felting again, i added a small red fox, into the bowls bottom. he seems to be content, curled up and asleep, snuggled in his soft nest.

i have three books to share this week!
i received 'a knitter's home companion' as a gift from a dear friend. i intended to savor it, keep it in my knitting basket, taking it out here and there for inspiration. instead i read it in two days time. it is charming and i loved it, and i think it's going to stay in my basket as much for the patterns and recipes, as for the friendship it came with. you can find the book here.

then after reading a review (in the knitter's home companion) for the book 'safe return', i knew i needed this one for my library too. here is the review (i hope it's okay to share):

safe return
by catherine dexter

'safe return', a middle - grade novel named after a swedish mitten pattern, is one of my absolute, hands-down, all -time favorite children's books. a beautiful and moving tale, 'safe return' takes place in the stark setting of sweden's gotland island. the main character, ursula, an orphan from the mainland, is being raised there by her aunt and uncle. her outsider feeling is reinforced by her inability to knit, a skill acquired early  by the other children in visby, their fishing and farming village.

many books for kids that involve knitting are about the process. in 'safe return', the character learns not only how to knit, but how knitting can soothe even a reluctant knitter's turbulent times. there is an authentic tenderness to the text that reflects the author's understanding of the setting, character, and knitting. you can almost feel the lanolin in newly spun wool, the fierceness of the wind, and the darkness of the night in a time and place before electricity. and in 'safe return', you will experience the joy that comes in a very satisfying ending.

it really was a lovely read, it arrived this morning and i finished it in a couple hours, the more i think about it, the more i love it. there is something so comforting about reading books at this middle grade level. i'm also loving the fact it's based not only about knitting, but about a true event that took place in 1824. and it's about sweden, which is where my family is from. happy. book found here.

the third book is 'extra yarn' by mac barnett illustrated by jon klassen. this book caught my eye in a local children's bookshop, it says it's intended for ages 4-8. but i bought it anyway. i am still those ages, plus a few more. i love the short sweet story, and i think the pages would look great framed. link here. joining with:




p.s. the bowl pattern can be found in this book!

81 comments:

  1. Lori, I love your felted yarn bowl! It is beautiful and perfect. I really do need one of these. The knitter's home companion sounds amazing, I think I must buy a copy. Thank you for all your help with the 'embedded comments' it just started working with my next post, so wonderful:)
    Love to you
    Linda

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    1. i'm glad it's working for you now linda! you are so welcome!
      xox

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  2. Beautiful yarn bowl! I think I may be inspired to make various bowls like it!

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  3. Dearest Lori, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I hope you feel the same way because I really must make a yarn bowl! That is a novel idea and I love it!
    I just saw that someone else on the yarn along was reading Extra Yarn and I wrote the title down. I had promised myself that I was going to be good and not order any books this week, I lied! :)
    Have a great Yarn Along!

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  4. You are such a clever lady! I bet you could sell these on etsy. Love the purple and the yarn in the bowl is very pretty too.

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  5. Your felted bowl is so cute, and useful, which is a bonus. I'm going to have to get the Companion book. I've seen it mentioned around blogland now several times.

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  6. Would adding some lanolin to the edges of the bowl help? I'm thinking something waxy might be helpful. It looks great, anyway, and the fox is adorable!

    "Extra Yarn" is now on my Amazon wish list!

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    1. thank you! that's a really good idea, i'm going to try it!

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  7. Your bowl is amazing. But goodness, that fox! It's so sweet and perfect!

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  8. I love the felted bowl. Felting looks so cool but I have never tried it.

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  9. oh what goodies lori! i love your links but especially your sweet little fox at the bottom of your yarn bowl! what a treasure!

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  10. Lori, you are always making the most unique and clever things, and your yarn bowl is yet another! The little fox hiding in the bottom is just charming! We love "The Fox & the Child" around here too (Chloe's favorite movie ever), so we're big on all things foxy too. In fact, I recently bought a coffee cup with a fox hiding in the bottom -- he reveals himself as you drink - love him ;).
    Your book recommendations sound wonderful too -- I love children's books (and movies ;), so I'm off to Amazon to scout around.
    Blessings,
    G
    Oh, and I just bought some felting wool and a needle felting tool the other day. Been too busy knitting to try it yet but soon I hope.

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  11. Brilliant felted bowl. I keep thinking I "need" a yarn bowl. Truly I can just make one. Love the little fox. Thank you for the book recs. I have added them to our list. We are venturing out to the library today with list in hand.

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  12. I love the way the phots's scroll down and lead to the little sleeping fox! Absolutely beautiful! I've never seen a yarn bowl before, what a neat ideal.
    'Safe return' sounds charming. Have you read any Elsa Beskow books? She was a swedish author/illustrator.

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    1. thank you and i have emma, i love her books. and astrid lindgren, they are among my favorites!

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  13. Love, love, LOVE the yarn bowl. My daughter (9) made me one last summer during summer school pottery, and did a beautiful job, on the bowl that is only 2 inches across. So, not even my teeniest little balls of yarn work in it.

    I love to needle felt, and love your little fox.

    I really, really want to do a bowl up like yours!!!!! I have so many skeins of wool and some of them are not very nice, that I would love to be able to turn them into something useful instead of teasing me and taking up my yarn space.

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  14. Great book recommendations. I'm going to follow them up, especially the safe return. Your bowl is a wonderful idea. Stash busting as well.

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  15. I love your little yarn heart and there is something delicious about felting.I have created little balls and the process was so relaxing and fun.I love your bowl sweet lori...Now I have to add I took the kids on a beach picnic and you would have been sooooo proud of me..I was taking pictures like crazy...heehee..I'm getting better!!Super big Hugs,Cat

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  16. Oh, I love the bowl and I love the book ideas. Your posts are always so fun to read. Thank you!

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  17. OH MY OH MY! Your creativity does not cease to amaze me. I hope that you share the bowl pattern and the fox tutorial. That is so sweet. I just saw the Extra Yarn book on another yarn along blog today. Must get that out - great illustrations.

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  18. That is a gorgeous yarn bowl...and I adored suddenly seeing the little fox curled up inside it! What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing the books, they do sound wonderful and I will look out for them. Have a happy week!
    Helen x

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  19. Oh !
    Living in Sweden Gotland,15 minutes from Visby---I must read that
    book Safe Return; by Catherine Dexter.
    Funny to find it on your blog---
    Wonderful :-)
    Hugs Ingela R.

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    1. i hope you are able to find a copy ingela! someday i hope to visit gotland and visby.

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  20. GREAT yarn, GREAT book, GREAT bowl, GREAT pictues! What more can I say? i love the heart :-)

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  21. Well, I just requested the first book from my library, ordered a copy of the second one you mentioned for one of my little knitting students (who needs a boost in the motivation department,) and ordered Extra Yarn for myself (and maybe my kids....) because it's been sitting on my wishlist.

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  22. A little love in those pictures. Simply lovely!
    I placed the second book in my cart. Thanks so much for the recommendations!
    And I loved your video you posted. I'm going to tell my husband about that little trick. Thanks!!

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  23. Lori, 'extra yarn' and 'safe return' look like two books that will be joining our collection very soon - thank you for the recomendation. Your fox is wonderful, very still, very content I agree. Needle felting is very theraputic for me - my wool tends to come out when I am feeling sllightly stressed!

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  24. Oh my, you are absolutely incredible. I've had yarn bowls on the brain and this one is amazing. I have also signed up for a needle felting class and so you can see where this is going. Those books are awesome. I don't think "children's" books actually really exist. I love them no matter what age they are "meant" to reach. I'll be checking out those books and the movie. Thanks for the recommendations!
    xo,
    Ang

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    1. you are so right ang! and i'm sure the author's and illustrators of children's literature and picture books must surely be thrilled that deep appreciation for their work is enjoyed by every age!

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  25. Holy holy holy, your bowl is the absolute darlingest! I thought it was wonderful with its little cutout. So clever! But when I saw what was nestled at the bottom, my heart did flips! Oh my goodness, that is incredibly adorable! He looks so warm curled up there, and well he should be. Aw, Lori. Your talent knows no bounds. The books sound great too. The pictures in Extra Yarn are so cute. I love children's books! We are all kids at heart. :)

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  26. I am always in awe at your amazing projects...the little fox snuggled at the bottom of your bowl is absolutely precious.
    I had to giggle at Extra Yarn.....This book just came in to our library today (I work very very very parttime, just getting the books ready for the technical department to catalog) and I was entranced. Such a sweet little story!!! I had decided this was one I also needed to buy!

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  27. Wonderful Lori.

    I think, possibly, this post of yours is my favourite ever. (I know Buddhism declares choosing to be the sickness of the mind but this isn't a choice rather an impulse decision.) The photographs are stunning, the colours beautiful. The subject content - books and knitting - have me purring and honestly, how brilliant is that tiny fox?

    Thank you for making me more joyful still than I was a few minutes ago.

    Stephanie

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  28. LOVE the felted yarn bowl Lori, especially the little needle felted fox :D

    I actually collect children's picture books so have every excuse to buy Extra Yarn!

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  29. love the bowl ! and those books....oooOOOh.
    i do miss new crafty books so much.
    in tassie they had the most impressive new library books for crafts, being so close to the south pole and all. but here in western australia, nobody must read them, cause they sure havent got em. new or OLD!! i tried to check out a 70s classic even, and they didnt even have THAT!! (opinionated knitter) i stomped off like nelly olsen. :/

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  30. I think not knowing how to felt and knit makes this extra mysterious, but not any more wonderful. The fox is so perfect, asleep inside the bowl.
    Did someone say something about beeswax on the edge? I know that when i used to quilt i would run the thread through it to make it smoother.
    xx
    julie

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    1. julie, it's really simple. you knit with large needles and bulky wool, then throw in the wash with a bit of soap and hot water and agitate! it shrinks in the process, felting along the way. when you can't see the stitch definition anymore, it's done! shape and air dry. i'm going to try the beeswax suggestion.

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  31. A yarn bowl out of extra yarn - how brilliant! I have only seen them out of pottery, which are also beautiful. Thank you for the great book recommendations, as well!

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  32. I think I should buy that book...my girls are 8 and 10 & we pass along our clothes and other cool toys/books to my nieces! We loved reading it together at the bookshop. Amazing that you bought it and we both blogged about it today!!! Sweet little fox curled up inside that felt bowl.

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  33. Love the felted yarn bowl idea ~ it's beautiful, the addition of the precious curled up fox makes it fantastic ♥ I want to try and make one too :-)
    Your posts are always so lovely ~ filled with inspiration xo

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  34. Your yarn bowl is so clever and I adore the fox, what a nice little surprise he is in the bottom!

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  35. Oh how wonderful. Just love the bowl and the little fox is just so cute. Maybe a little piece of silk fabric sewn into the cut would stop the yarn sticking.

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  36. Oh, I love this. That's all I'm needing to say.
    xo Jules
    P.S. I lied. I really love your blog. Your studio looks like a place of refuge and calmness. And your little yarn cleverness is sweet. Ok, now that's it. I love it here!

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  37. Just beautiful--the fox is a lovely touch. I agree with purplepear above--maybe a piece of silky fabric would help with the yarn catching?

    And, I almost always think children's books are better than adult ones.

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  38. What a fantastic idea! I love yarn bowls, and the idea of making a felted one is genius! Love the colour, and the fox in the bottom is such a beautiful touch :)

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  39. That is amazing! What a clever idea, and your fox is adorable!

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  40. I love great books like these, thank you for sharing, dear Lori! Children´s book were always my favorite , books should be for all ages, from 1 to 100 years old!
    And about the red fox, it´s so lovely , you are so talented ( I guess I´ve said that before...)
    xoxo

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  41. hi lori, it's nice to meet you! what beautiful photography!!!! and the snuggled fox is a sweet surprise in your bowl. i know nothing about felting but am intrigued...

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  42. i love your felted yarn bowl--there is something so solid and peaceful about it, and the fox is such a nice little surprise in the bottom. i am an avid children's book reader, so i am eager to check out the two children's books that you recommended. they sound like they are right up my alley. i'm happy to meet you through the yarn along this week!

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  43. Lori, your bowl is wonderful and the very best part is the fox! darling.
    Don't forget to read Hedgehog!xoxo

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  44. Love the felted bowl, it's very useful while knitting I think. Love the fox inside too. You're so creative...

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  45. That yarn bowl just made me super happy! I adore that little fox cuddled in there. Well done you!
    Thank you for those book selections, I will be adding them to my "To Read" list.
    Have a great rest of your week,
    Andi

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  46. That bowl and fox is wonderful Lori!! You did beautiful work on it! I haven't seen that movie, or have seen any of those books, so I will happily explore!! Interestingly enough, regarding needle felting, I just received the lastest copy of Living Crafts magazine, which has lovely needle felting work to be learned in there! Is it really difficult? I am guessing, like knitting, that getting over the fear of trying it is the first step :).
    cheers my friend!
    xo

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    1. i think it's something that takes practice, but not hard at all. i think you'll like it, just be careful not to poke your finger! i would love to see that magazine, i've heard good things about it.

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  47. My goodness, this is the cutest thing I ever saw!

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  48. Well, first of all, this entire posting is beyond tenderly lovely. THAT FOX curled up in the hand felted bowl just sent me over the edge.

    As for the "children's books" that you bought. They're the best. I am a total sucker for books for kids. Aren't I one?

    Loved this all dear Lori,

    Sharon

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  49. This post has confirmed it for me Lori, you're a poet. I love the little fox at the bottom of the bowl, what a wonderful way to come to the end of a ball of yarn, seeing him curled up asleep. Perhaps you could sew some fabric round the edges of the bit the yarn goes through, if that's where it's catching, then maybe it will run more smoothly? That children's book looks enchanting, I don't think children's books are just for children really. Love Vanessa xxx

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  50. Hi Lori! What a lovely post! I love your yarn bowl and especially the most cute Fox in it! Sunny wishes from Teje

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  51. I want to buy the book just to read about how in the world you made this....it is amazing. I can't wrap my brain around it...how did you get the fox in there? Hmmmmm inquiring minds want to know! Guess I will have to get the book!

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  52. Aww, that fox is so snuggly and lovely. (I love that movie too!) xx

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  53. Oh, what a clever yarn bowl. I love the little fox in the bottom. I must purchase those children's books.

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  54. your blogpictures look just great!!! and that bowl looks so clean and athetic just like a piece of art. great work you did!!!

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  55. Happy day to you Lori

    Thank you for popping by..I am in awe of your knitting abilities. I have such a long way to go. Knitted toys is what I knitted for so long and now I want items for myself and the kids. Cardigans etc seem so big and look like they take forever to knit. I do have to conquer the fear..

    I cant wait to get the book by Catherine Dexter. It looks like my kind of book.

    Thank you
    warm regards
    Suzanne
    X

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  56. Thank you Lori Ann

    I have purchased a couple of knitting books one of them being 'Hollywood knits' There is a Cardi in there that Juliana Moore is wearing that I absolutely love. I have read and re- read the pattern gaining confidence that when I finally use my new stash of alpaca silk from Spain....that it will all work out. It doesn't look too difficult. I think I will knit it up with some Merino wool I have first before I use my good wool.

    You are ever so kind thank you and will email should I need some help.

    Suzanne
    X

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  57. Woo hoo Lori... so much happening here at your blog... I've been deep in Summer and away from the computer for most of it, which has been kinda nice.
    I have emailed you a couple of times, but have also had troubles with my email behaving badly.
    Lovely to see your knitting skills flourishing and soooo cute to hear your gentle voice.
    I imagine you are counting your sleeps 'til Africa. So happy for you.
    I hope you are well.
    big love
    oxo Robyn

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  58. ps... how do you create the reply at the end of the comments? I like that feature, such a good idea x

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    1. hi robyn :)
      you'll want to go to your dashboard, click on settings, then comments, and then embed (sp?). click the orange 'save' button and thats it!

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  59. Hi Lori! Lovely work as always, you are such an inspiring person! Fun to hear that you are of Swedish descent, though I am not surprised with that blond hair of yours. I myself am actually Icelandic, but I've lived in Sweden for almost 17 years. I have to check out that book you recommended, sounds like a cozy read. I actually did all of my field work on Gotland, and I can tell you that place is absolute magic. Everyone that goes there is blown away by the the beauty of the nature there. If you ever have a chance to visit Sweden, Gotland should be on the top of your list!

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    1. thank you sylvia, it is definetly on the very top! and iceland too! my favorite band is sigur ros and their heima dvd is very much part of the reason why. so someday, both sweden and iceland!

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  60. That fox is just the cutest thing I have ever seen!! You are so talented!!

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  61. I love your photographs. I love your yarn bowl. I love Jon Klassen's illustrations. And I really really love your fox.
    Oh and I want to live in your wool studio. Really. It looks like a happy place.

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  62. What a wonderful knitting bowl...and that fox! You're something else.

    I love the books, especially the children's book. I have a huge collection of them and no children. We're never too old for wonderful picture books!

    have a lovely weekend Lori :)

    xo
    Lo♥

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  63. You are amazing--everything you do and share. <3

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  64. Lori ann -- the bowl, the book, the yarn, the pictures...it's all so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your particular genius. It has quieted my soul to visit your space here tonight.

    Thank you for commenting on my new little blog. My stitches are coming along. My lovely friend Nicole is giving me another lesson on Thursday. It is a peaceful skill, and it is beautifully humbling to learn something new.

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  65. That book looks fun and I love the felted yarn bowl looks great...I love the hidden fox...

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  66. I've been using a wooden bowl as my yarn bowl, but there's no cutout for the yarn to feed through, so I thought YOUR felted yarn bowl was a clever delight from the first photo. But then I saw the fox and that pushed it right on over into ART. So beautiful.

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  67. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely books. Your little bowl is so beautiful, I love it very much and the little fox is a sweet surprise!

    enim sou

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  68. Dearest Lori.. you always amaze me!

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  69. Oh I just LOVE LOVE your yarn bowl!! That is so creative :) I've seen the porcelain bowls and have been wanting to get one but making one would be even better. I think I might have to give this a try :)

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xoxo lori