KOHLEIDOSCOPE- One of a Kind Creations at Every Turn

Come on and Shake, Shake , Shake it!

2011-10-05T06:36:00.001-07:00

<3 <3 <3

--
Enjoy your day!

Kendra Baxter
cell: (573) 819-9886

--
Be well and happy,

Polly

573-356-0162

yogasol.org rootsnbluesnbbq.com

New Email Address and Google chat address

2010-05-25T12:32:00.001-07:00

Dear friends,

I have recently changed my address to reflect my position in the newest Donation Based Yoga Studio in Mid-MO. Please change your address books to reflect that my new address is SARAH@YOGASOL.ORG.

I may occasionally check this mamakohl account, but this will be the last email I send from here.

Blessings to you all....

Live Well,
Sarah
"I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks." - DANIEL BOONE

I've MOVED

2008-11-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

Come see all the new designs and catch up at

Kohleidoscope.

Spring Cleaning at Kohleidoscope!

2008-04-12T19:06:00.001-07:00

Spring has finally hit the Midwest and it's time to do some cleaning up and Kohleidoscope is no exception! I'm excited to start new projects with lovely light airy yarns (I've got some silk that I'm just dying to use,) so to make room for my new projects, I'm having a huge sale at Kohleidoscope!

All 6 items on my Etsy page are now 40% off!
Http://www.kohleidoscope.etsy.com

Winters stink, no doubt about it. Stop on by and pick something up as insurance for next winter - they sure stink a whole lot less when you have something one of a kind to wear.

Happy SPRING!

Visit my shop on Etsy

2008-01-17T08:48:00.001-08:00

I finally have a shop on Etsy where you can purchase my goods using PayPal!

How revolutionary!

Be sure to check it out

Kohleidoscope

Come visit my ETSY shop!

2008-01-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

After a few years of folks telling me to open a shop, I finally got around to doing so this morning. ETSY is sort of like Ebay for hand crafters. Orders can be placed directly from the site.

Http://kohleidoscope.etsy.com

I would really like to get some feedback from folks who have items I have made. Any reviews would be wonderful!

If you have a few minutes, pop by, leave a comment, and as always, please spread the word!

Have a wonderful day!

--
Live Well,
Sarah

Inner Rhythms Birth Services
... Nurturing your journey ...
http://www.birthrhythms.com

Kohleidoscope - One of a Kind Creations at Every Turn
http://kohleidoscope.etsy.com

SOLD - Purple Passion and Mary Tyler Mauve

2007-11-27T06:58:00.001-08:00

Thanks, Lori.

Look Purty, Feel Great

2007-11-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

There are many things going on in our world that cause me pain, many things that need attention, need money, need change. I wish I could wave a wand and make it all better. I wish I could snap my fingers and all the injustice in the world would evaporate. I wish I could shake my head and cure the pain and heartache in our world.

We all wonder what we can do and how we can help. We all should do some part, whatever it may be. As for my part,

I will donate 15% of all Kohleidoscope sales

from today until December 15th to Invisible

Children.

The crimes committed in Uganda were unforgivable. They are our brothers and sisters who were being stolen from their homes and ripped from their families. They were our sons and daughters who are stolen into the night and never seen again. We are all one.

I’m aware that the fighting has ceased in Uganda.

The effects of the war, however, are on going. So while the children are no longer being stolen from their homes, the fact is that they still have so little and so many are still missing - it’s as if they are continuing to be assaulted. By donating to Invisible Children, we help provide a future for these children - education, economy, etc.

Every little bit helps. Please help if you can.

KOHLEIDOSCOPE HOLIDAY HORRAY!!!!

2007-11-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

Okay here we go. Everything is made from yarn that I spun, hand knitted, and felted in my basement. Each item is one of a kind - duplicates are impossible due to the natures of the yarns, etc.

All Ozark Handspun yarns featured are from 2005-2006 and are not available in stores anymore.

Starting with Hats:

Mary Tyler Mauve
Wool and Soy Silk
$55

From Kohliedoscope...

Foil Swan
Named 'cause it's leftover yarn from Velma's wedding shrug I designed for her.
Wool, Mohair, and Silk
$75

Orange Blossom Special
Wool and Mohair
$70

And moving on to Handbags

Sugar Sugar
Wool and Mohair
14" x 11.5" with 10" handles
$150

Forever in Blue Jeans
Wool & Mohair
13.5" x 10" with 8" handles
$130

Strawberry Basket
Wool and Mohair
15" x 7" with 9" handles
$120

Teals for Reals
Wool and Mohair
9" x 10" with shoulder strap (very slightly off center strap so it will stay on your shoulder!!! Can be work cross body as messenger bag.)
$120

And a few CLEARANCE items...

Purple Passion - lined, not felted
Acrylic and Cotton
9" x 9" with plastic handles
$25

Celestial
Wool & Mohair
10" x 10" approx. with shoulder strap and flap
$65

AHOY!
100% wool
9" x 9" with shoulder strap
$45

Please Contact Me to purchase.

Teaser

2007-11-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

I'm currently working on 5 new projects that will be up for sale by next week (I'm hoping.) There will be 2 hats and 3 handbags for sale.

I'll post color combinations soon.

Tell you friends!

Hats usually run $75, Handbags are around $125 - $150. Each are one of a kind, made entirely by hand. AND these goodies have yarn that I have spun myself.

Welcome to Kohleidoscope

2007-09-13T12:30:00.001-07:00

Lovely Lori

2006-08-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Boomer

2006-08-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Designer helps birth custom wool creations and babies

2006-07-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

From the St. Louis Post Dispatch by Deb Peterson

Sarah Kohl spins wool, knits wherever she goes, home schools her kids and assists women with labor and breast-feeding.

"Sounds like Laura Ingalls Wilder, doesn't it?" she says with a laugh.

But Kohl is definitely not a character out of the pioneer author's imagination. She started out as Sarah Wells, the youngest of three children born to the Rev. Larry Wells and his wife, Sheryl.

Wells was a minister with the United Methodist Church and Sarah spent her early school years in Glendale and Webster Groves, where her father was the minister at Webster Hills U.M.C. The church used to move ministers around every couple of years so the family also lived in Imperial and Hannibal before stopping more permanently in Jefferson City.

Sarah said her parents often commented that she was born in the wrong generation. But it wasn't Wilder's time that they were talking about, it was wilder times, such as the 1960s. Sarah was always interested in women's issues and with the idea of empowering women. She says that from an early age, she knew she wanted to "catch babies" (help women with labor and delivery), and that after a couple of years as a psychology major at Mizzou, she realized she was wasting her money. So she left college and went off to spend a summer traveling with the Rainbow People.

When she got back to Missouri, Sarah settled in Columbia, which she says felt more like home to her than Jefferson City. After dabbling in a variety of things, and continuing to hone her skills as a "doula" - a labor assistant - David Gentzsch, a friend's father who had started a business called Ozark Handspun, taught her how to spin wool.

The company now sells beautiful wool, silk and mohair yarns across the United States, Canada, France and Australia. Sarah takes it one step further, felting goods and knitting bags, scarves, shrugs, shawls, hats, baby slings and custom apparel that are each a unique creation.

How did you learn to make this stuff?

I hate to say that it was easy, but it was easy for me. I never follow a pattern, but I can figure out the math, so I know whether I need to increase or decrease stitches to make what I want.

What do you start with when you're spinning?

David starts with raw wool and mohair and he washes it and then it goes through a picker, where all the nasty junk gets combed out. Then it is died with natural and synthetic dyes and either he or I or both of us put together huge trash bags of different colored wool and mohair. Then I bring it home and I spin it.

What do your sons do while you're spinning?

I have the wheel set up right in the middle of their play room. Sage is really interested so he will sit in my lap sometimes and spin with me. I love the rhythm of it and can do it for hours.

How do you come up with your unique color schemes and design ideas - like hats with pulled out pieces of yarn that look almost like bangs or eyelashes?

I just dream them up. I might see something when I'm out with the kids and that will inspire me to do something. I think everything you look at and everything you do can be a learning experience.

Is that how you approach home schooling?

Yes. My philosophy on life has a lot to do with my philosophy about toys and children. I don't believe that there should be any learning that isn't enjoyable, and I believe that you can learn something from every enjoyable experience. It's all about balance. A trip to the car wash can be a physics lesson, for instance.

How many births do you assist every year, and are they all home births?

I did about 25 last year and they were all home births. I have decided this year that I won't take on any new clients because I want to spend more time with my kids and more time spinning and designing. I will take on repeat clients and I am a certified breast-feeding educator so I will continue to do that.

What's the best book you've read lately?

I'm reading "To Kill a Mockingbird," which is a wonderful book. I loved "The Zen Commandments," which I finished recently.

Favorite trip you've taken recently?

My husband I left Dakota and Sage with my in-laws and Brian and I took a honeymoon trip to St. James, Mo. We stayed at a B&B there and hiked and went antiquing and walked around Meramec Springs. It was a great trip.

What do you drive?

A white, 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE minivan with a Grateful Dead sticker in the window, a "Birth is not an illness" bumper sticker and music blaring from all the windows.

Welcome to Kohleidoscope!

2006-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Have a look around! Whether you are just browsing, getting ideas, or looking for a unique handmade piece of wearable art, I hope you find what you are looking for. Be sure to check the archives for photos and writings of my work.

If you are interested in purchasing something, please note a few things:

Each and every item is one of a kind - the nature of the fibers make it nearly impossible to make an exact replica of anything.
I prefer to custom make each item for each individual - I feel it makes it more personal and it aids in my creativity to know who will end up with the final product.
Occasionally, I will have items in stock for purchase - check back often!
If you see something on this site that you like, I can try my best to replicate it. Please note that there might be variances in color and exact finished size. Being flexible ensures that you will get a one of a kind creation!
Art takes time - please be patient while I take the necessary steps to ensure that your item is of the very best quality.
Please don't hesitate to Contact Me with any comments or questions you might have - I love hearing from you!

Thank you so much for your interest in Kohleidoscope where there is a one of a kind creation around every turn!

Fine Print

2006-07-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

I met with the columnist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch yesterday. I was sort of nervous because I had no idea who this woman was, what should would be like, if I had any answers to any of the questions she was going to ask. I mean, after all, I just kind of pull stuff out of my ass - I don't follow patterns, I just make things up as I go along. The fact that people think that what I do is art still escapes me, regardless of how many people tell me such.

So at one o'clock, we sat down in some comfy leather couches and started looking at some of my designs and things I had made and also some Ozark Handspun. Within seconds, I was totally comfortable with her. She's lively, she's opinionated, she's funny and intelligent and has a wonderful sense of humor.

I looked up at the clock. It was 3 in the afternoon and she'd not written anything down yet! Oh yeah, this is an interview for a newspaper! Maybe we should take some notes!

We'd been laughing and hooting and talking like hens in a nest, cluck cluck cluck. Like girlfriends over a margarita, we had leaned back on the couches, pulled our knees up (you know how we do, ladies,) and just had a grand old time! WHAT FUN to make such a sincere connection to someone with whom my path most likely would have never crossed!

Out comes the note pad and 30 minutes of fast and furious note taking later, we ventured outside for some photographs and, of course, more laughter. We parted ways with a big hug and her assurance that she would swat my dear friend JFL on the ass upon her return to the Dispatch (gotta love that!)

I think that the column will be fantastic. I guess we'll find out soon - it will be published on Tuesday.

Oh yeah, and as an unexpected bonus - she bought $175 of my stuff!

That's some fine journalism. Cannot wait to see the fine print!

Previously ...

2006-07-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

As always, if you see something you are interested in, Contact Me!
Click to enlarge photos!

A fresh new turn for Kohleidoscope!

2006-07-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

After a nice hiatus, I'm pleased to announce that I am once again designing and creating fiber goodies! Interest from a columnist at the St. Louis Post Dispatch has sparked my desire to get back into the fiber arts. Look for a link to the column in an upcoming post!

And away we go ...

2006-03-31T07:08:00.000-08:00

I just finished sending a bio to an author in NYC for publication in an upcoming book. When I sent it, I didn't think much of it. After all, Ozark Handspun is written up all over the place these days (insert happy dance here.) An email from folks in the know, however, set me straight.

Sarah, you have no idea what just happened. Sabrina is an exceptionally well-know artist. This is not her first book. She has had artists emailing and calling her all day every day to try to get into her book. We didn't ask her, she asked us. We didn't realize how blessed we were until the photographer came and let us in on what's really happening in NY. You have just entered the fame gallery! Congratulations. DON'T PANIC. JUST BREATHE!

This does not mean that Kohleidoscope will come out of the closet yet. You are in control of your business. But this is a HUGE boost. When you are ready to take on the world, Midas, the world will be waiting. I think that's one of the most exciting things!

Zoinks!

Truth of the matter is that it's been a couple of months since I've designed or created anything new. I think I had gotten burned out on it all and wondered if, since I didn't know where it was all going, it was worth it. I guess I got my answer!

Off to dust off the needles and rediscover my obsession with yarns that I don't spin as well as the yarn that I do!

2006-02-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

B took this picture of me last week - it was taken for a crafting magazine that will be featuring Ozark Handspun in the future.

This is the set that was in the fashion show at The National Needle Arts Trade Show in San Diego last month.

Ozark Handspun to Decorate Big Ben

2006-01-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, well, maybe that's looking a little too far into the future - but it's on the way, I can tell. Yesterday at the trade show, Dave, Terri, and Velma took on 27 (28?) new shops that will be carrying Ozark Handspun. One of them is in LONDON!! So, yep, intercontinental. Not bad, eh?

Take a look at the booth!!

And Velma, your pride in me makes me swoon with warmth - I'm just so thrilled to be a part of it. Thanks for including me!

Bustin' out all over Part One

2006-01-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

VJ, Dave, and Terri are driving down the California coast as I type this on their way to San Diego for the National Needle Arts Trade Show. This show is HUGE. Beyond huge, probably, but let's not get too carried away, eh? It's possible that Ozark Handspun will walk away from the show with many many many new clients (?) who will sell the yarn in their shops. This is big business. This is also the site for the Fashion show that I mentioned a few months ago where a hat and a purse that I designed and created will take the stage with a vest from Dave and a scarf from VJ to complete the ensemble. All things considered, this is a very important trip.

So I called VJ this morning to wish her luck and safe travels and such and to tell her about the revelations I've been having about myself (watch for Bustin' out all over Part Two in the coming days,) and she had some news for me, herself! She spent quite some time at the SF post office yesterday to mail a package to Deb Stoller. Now I've written about Deb Stoller, author of Stitch & Bitch and Stitch & Bitch Nation. Deb Stoller also happens to run a not-so-little magazine that I love love love called Bust Magazine: For women with something to get off their chest. All of my girlie friends reading this, you know Bust Magazine, eh? Certainly you've at least gotten a Bust e-card from me. Anyway, it's a pretty big magazine.

The package that VJ mailed had a skein of Ozark Handspun in it. It will be featured in an upcoming article in Bust about hand spinning.

Seriously, folks. Seriously. I think I peed a little in excitement.

Stitch and Bitch loves Ozark Handspun

2006-01-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Debbie Stoller, author of Stitch and Bitch and Stitch and Bitch Nation sent out emails to thousands, possibly millions, of members of Stitch and Bitch groups around the nation requesting that folks submit their favorite yarns to be included in a a new book. I, of course, replied and submitted Ozark Handspun. I didn't mention that I spin for OH or that I am close friends with the owner, I just touted the yarn on it's qualities.

Lots of folks must have mentioned Ozark Handspun. LOTS OF PEOPLE.

Dave called me yesterday to say that he had just spoken to Debbie Stoller on the phone. OH will be featured in a Stitch and Bitch calendar (and probably in the book, too.) A FULL PAGE COLOR calendar and we get to be displayed for a whole month!

Cool, eh?

Priorites

2006-01-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

I've been mulling something around in my head for a long time and finally have gotten to the point where I need to do something about my thoughts. I see that I need to honestly reevaluate my life, set priorities, and honor them. As a result, I'm going to be scaling back Kohleidoscope.

When I first started doing things, I had in mind a nice way to knit and create without having all the products loitering around my home (seriously, how many scarves and bags does one need?) It was based on a way for me to enhance and continue my enjoyment of creating.

Success came, but along with it came expectations and pressure to expand and grow and get big and involved. Soon words like "Retail" and "Wholesale" and "Productivity" and "Deduction" and "Taxes" started rolling in. With each use of these words, my whole body would clinch up. My body was telling me "NO NO NO," but I kept on doing it, kept on discussing it, kept on keeping on. But I would then find myself hitting the yarn shop to get stuff for a project and feeling resentful and overwhelmed.

This is not what I had in mind when I started saying that my creations came from Kohleidoscope. Things are no longer enjoyable for me. I find myself not wanting to do anything - not even for myself. And to me, that's not okay. The possible income that I might bring in is not worth the loss of release and relaxation and enjoyment that I get from creating.

So, I'm going back to doing things for myself and for other folks, upon request. I'll still be designing new things, I'll still be obsessed with fibers. I'll still make things for you and for anyone else who asks (and yes, I'll still charge something for them - although I might do more trade and barter or you can pay me in sushi, you know, but cash always fits!) I'll be lovingly and happily maintaining my relationship with Ozark Handspun (I'm LOVING spinning,) and will continue to design creations using OH and making things for Dave to use to promote OH. But I'm going to go back to Kohleidoscope being a hobby, not a Business. I'm releasing the idea of selling things in stores (really not something I was interested in anyway -I felt it lost the personal touch that way.) I'm releasing the idea of being a huge success with Kohleidoscope - I'd rather be a huge success at being a woman, a friend, a person, a mother, a wife, a teacher, a human. When I'm stressed out trying to make myself a commercial success, I fail miserably with personal success.

http://knit-pics.blogspot.com will still be up and running and I'll continue to post pictures of what I"m working on, what I've done.

I am so grateful for everyone's support and encouragement. Thank you. I cannot tell you what it means to me. B and I do have big plans for Kohleidoscope's future. In the upcoming years, we can see a storefront in our life. Kohleidscope is not ending, not closing - it's just remodeling. For the first time in history, downsizing is a very positive thing.

I have seen heaven...

2006-01-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have felt it with my hands. I have buried my face in it and taken a deep breath, letting it fill my lungs. I have felt it slip through my fingers, I have marveled at the softness. I have imagined having it all around my body.

I have seen heaven...

and it is Antarctica by Ozark Handspun.

Fiber addicts, seek adequate counseling now. It's coming to your town soon and you should be prepared.

Concrete Jungle hit the streets

2005-12-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Concrete Jungle hit the streets. Sorry folks, it has now been sold. Thanks, Brenda.

First Skein

2005-12-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

I spent the afternoon with David yesterday. I have to say, as I told VJ yesterday, I'm beginning to think that I'm starting to become about 20% Gentzsch. While I was there, I looked at a new fashion they're designing and actually ended up doing some invoicing and shipment labeling while I was there. Not much has changed in that house (well, in some respects.) When you walk through the door, you just never have any idea what you'll be doing.

After an hour or so, I sat down at the wheel for my first stab at spinning. Can you say Ethel and Lucy? Oh my goodness, it was hysterical. David has been spinning for years and it comes as natural to him as breathing, but he's never taught anyone. I have never spun before, but learn everything ass backwards, so I'm sure it was frustrating for him to try to teach me and I was frustrated trying to learn! There was much laughter and guidance, but ultimately trust won out as I left Ozark Handspun with a wheel and a basket full of wool and mohair with which to practice. Yes, that's right, a spinning wheel now lives in my house (for how long? who knows.)

Spinning is all I've been able to think about and this morning I got up at 6:30 because I could hear the fibers calling me. And what do you know? I am starting to get the hang of it. Don't get me wrong - I'm nowhere near anything even remotely resembling good, but I'm not failing miserably! I'm getting the wool to catch and spin and wind itself on the bobbin. I am starting to get the feel of where to hold the yarn and where to NOT hold, but simply guide, the wool. I'm getting a feel for the tension and the rhythm and the art. It's art, ancient art.

It'll be a long time before I'm good, but I'm going to get there. What you see in the picture above is what I did this morning. There are loose sections and sections that are soooo tight, but it's coming. I'd dare say that I'd certainly knit with what I made. No one else might wear the creation that came from it, but it's a start.

Hell, even Michelangelo had to learn to hold a brush at first, right?

HOLIDAY SALE

2005-12-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming, it's time for that perfect gift!

Kohleidoscope is having a sale - 20% off pre-made items (limited supply.)

Available are:

Concrete Jungle (sold as a set or separately)

Wild Iris

Grandpa's Girl

Wild Violet

Ahoy!

Celestial

You Never Know

Contact me for pricing.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Casey

2005-12-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

I got a lovely email this morning from a woman out East named Casey. I don't know how she found me or my contact information, but she did, and I'm glad. She wrote to ask about knitting with Ozark Handspun.

In her email, she shared some parts of her history with me and I felt blessed to read them.

It occurs to me that part of the reason I love knitting so much is because, for the most part, it is done with one continuous strand, one continuous thread. Everything is connected to the one continuous thread. It's ancient and ancestral. It is all connected and so are we. Two sticks and a string connecting everyone and everything.

Thank you, Casey, for being a part of the thread.

No pictures - Santa hid them

2005-12-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted anything in a long time. Santa ordered some things from me and he knows that the folks also see this blog. I assure you, there will be more pictures soon, after the holidays. Until then, please don't hesitate to look around and know that I am still accepting orders!

Taking orders

2005-11-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

I have recently stocked up on some great yarns and am excited to get busy creating. I'm now taking orders for holiday gifts (for yourself or someone you love.) If you're interested in something, just email me!

San Diego

2005-11-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

Well. The picture isn't the greatest, but I had help from my youngest son. This bag is headed out to CA.

Visions of Vail

2005-11-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

Made especially for my friend, KM.

Visions of Vail view 2

2005-11-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

Concrete Jungle

2005-11-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hat 85% wool 15% Mohair
Scarf 50% wool 50% Mohair

You spin me right round baby, right round, like a record baby, right round round round

2005-11-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Whew, that was nuts! When I get started with these titles, I sometimes cannot stop!

Okay, so, actually, no one is spinning any records, BUT I'll be spinning something. Oh yeah, baby, that's right, I'll be spinning yarn!

I had a lovely, all too brief visit with David yesterday. While discussing new and exciting ideas for working with Ozark Handspun, he asked me if I was ready to move on to the next step. Frankly, my butt tightened up at that. When David asks if you're ready to move on to something else, you just never ever know what in the world he's going to suggest. It's like Christmas every single day with him! Anyway, he brought out a Louet wheel (can be seen in these pictures) and asked if I had room for it in my van. Well, let me just tell you, I nearly ruined my pants in excitement! I'm a fiber addict - imagine my excitement and bliss at the prospect of learning to spin wool and mohair into yarn! AMAZING.

So, I'll be spending a few hours with him in the coming weeks to learn how to do it. Seriously, folks, this is just so thrilling. And believe you me, my excitement will come out in Kohleidoscope's offerings. Get ready folks, my obsession has taken a new spin, er um, turn!

Muppet Must Have (for David)

2005-11-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

80% Wool, 20% Mohair
*Sold*

Wild Iris

2005-11-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

80 % Wool, 20% Mohair

Winter Fire

2005-11-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

80% Wool 20% Mohair
*sold*

You Never Know

2005-11-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

This hat was a lesson in "wait and see." I wasn't crazy about the yarns that I had decided to use, but figured that since everyone has different tastes, someone might just like it and buy it. Well, after it felted, I was amazed at how neat it turned out. Just goes to show you, you just never know.

80% Wool 20% Mohair

You Never Know

2005-11-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

A note about SOLD

2005-10-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

I've been contacted by several folks lately with regards to some of the items seen on this blog. I'm so happy to be getting the exposure and interest is growing. This pleases me tremendously.

Most everyone has commented on the fact that most of what you see is marked *SOLD.* This is because most, although not all, of what I make is custom ordered, meaning that it's sold even before it's made. I still find that showing pictures of sold items to be helpful - I think it helps people know what options are available to them.

So, if you see something you like and it's marked, *SOLD,* you might still be able to have one like it! It's nearly impossible to exactly duplicate an item due to the unique hand made quality of both the felted items and the yarns themselves. I'm certainly happy to work hard to come close.

Jo Jo goes to work

2005-10-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

This is a new hat that I've made for a special project. I'm glad to finally put Jo Jo to work.

The Bag Lady of the Midwest

2005-10-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

Bags, bags, and more bags. I'm making a lot of them, lately. I've been so blessed to have a lovely woman take a liking to my work and she has graciously purchased several items. While it has padded my pockets just a bit, the benefit is much more than monetary: she has given me the courage and confidence to push Kohliedoscope forward. I have many ideas swimming around in my head - I'm thinking that 2006 will be a year of growth and prosperity.

Most of the bags that you see are taken from the same basic patter, that of Magic. I've done several different styles, but this particular one seems to be the biggest hit. It's a nice bag - very functional and easy to be scaled down or enlarged. But, to be honest, I'm getting antsy to design some new things.

In the coming weeks, I'm hoping to post some new designs. Feedback welcome, but remember, just like Erykah Badu says, "Keep in mind that I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my sh**."

Oh My God, It's Like, a Pre-Teen's Dream

2005-10-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

Wool, Mohair, Soy Silk
*SOLD*

Dynamo Deja Vu

2005-10-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

Wool, Mohair

*SOLD*

Kohleidoscope hits the West Coast

2005-10-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

I met with my friend, David, today. David is the founder, owner, and artist of Ozark Handspun. After months of trying, Ozark Handspun will finally be sold in Mid-Missouri at Hillcreek Yarn Shoppe. WAHOO!

David is entering a fashion show at a yarn trade show in San Francisco in January. He will be show casing his yarns and hopes to open up exposure to Ozark Handspun (I gotta say, however, that he's doing a damned fine job of it already - selling in something like 37 states and 2 other countries!!) He has asked me to make part of the ensemble. Yep. I'll be making 2 items (which, out of respect to his business, I'll be keeping under wraps) that will go along with items he's making as well as items that my friend, Velma, is making (I think this is how it works.)

Regardless, in less than 6 months, my stuff will be on stage in California.

HOORAY!!!

JoJo the JuJu Queen

2005-10-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

NOT a mixing bowl

The head on top of my refrigerator

2005-10-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

If you were to walk into my kitchen you might totally freak out. Especially at night. No, I don't have creepy crawlies. I don't have bugs or other grossness. Unless you happen to consider the fact that I have a head on top of my refrigerator gross, that is.

JoJo the JuJu Queen came to live with us last week, courtesy of my friend, Karyn. She continually makes my husband jump every single night. He comes in from his nightly escape to the garage (man's world,) and as he walks into the living room, he has to walk through the kitchen where JoJo scares the bejeebers out of him, making him scream, "Sarah, will you please PLEASE find another spot for that thing!!!" This delights and humors me to no end. JoJo has found her permanent place. Heh Heh Heh.

Anyway, JoJo looks to be the holder of some good juju and not very likely to hex me with bad juju, so we treat her nicely, talk lovingly about her, and make sure she approves of the Costume of the Day. She seems to be happy, which might, in turn, make you happy.

JoJo's job is to wear hats. Yep. After I make hats and felt them, they need a place to dry. Up until JoJo moved in, this job was taken by stainless steel mixing bowls. In case you haven't ever tried it, let me be the first to tell you that a human head is decidedly not the same shape as a stainless steel mixing bowl. Enter JoJo. What this means for you is two simple, beautiful, exciting words: MORE HATS. Look for them soon. If you want one made especially for you, contact me and we can work it out!

And if, indeed, your head is shaped like a stainless steel mixing bowl, don't worry darlin', I can hook you up.

What do you mean "it's felted?"

2005-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of questions about how I make these bags and hats. I can understand why - before I started doing it myself, there was no way I could picture it. It's just a strange concept.

Almost everything that I've posted has been felted (with the exception of Grandpa's Girl and Wild Violet,) which is a process by which wool yarn shrinks down in size and the fibers puff up to form, well, felt!

What usually gets folks attention is that I have to knit every single thing by hand first. That means thousands and thousands of little stitches go into making a single bag and the product starts out usually 33% - 50% larger than the finished size. Yep, that's a lot of knitting.

I recently finished 2 bags that were custom ordered. Fortunately, I happened to be on the ball and took pictures before and after felting in order to show the difference in texture and size. Naturally, since I almost always have a 3 year old and a 5 year old helper with the camera, the photos are not star quality, but hopefully you can still get the idea. You'll see photos with the two bags prior to felting. Notice how the individual stitches are clearly visible (okay, not on Fairy Tale - gimme a break, eh?) The pre-felted bags are quite large (there is a regular CD next to them for scale,) and shapeless. In fact, they are even pinned to the backdrop to keep them from falling into a heap. The finished product, you'll agree, is dramatically different.

Debi's Dynamo (Pre-Felting)

2005-09-28T07:48:00.001-07:00

Pre-felting

Fairy Tale (Pre-Felting)

2005-09-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Pre-felting (out of focus, I know. I had help from the boys!)

Debi's Dynamo (after felting)

2005-09-28T07:46:00.001-07:00

After Felting

Fairy Tale (after felting)

2005-09-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

After felting

Debi's Dynamo

2005-09-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

80% wool, 20% Mohair

*SOLD*

Fairy Tale

2005-09-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Fairy Tale

80% wool, 20% mohair

*SOLD*

Grandpa's Girl

2005-09-28T07:35:00.001-07:00

Acrylic knit handbag, cotton lining, hand stained wood handles

Wild Violet

2005-09-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

Acrylic knit bag, cotton lining.

Magic!

2005-09-25T12:11:00.002-07:00

Magic!
*SOLD*

Ring of Fire

2005-09-25T12:11:00.001-07:00

(the bag that started it all)

Velma's Autumn

2005-09-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Velma's Autumn
*SOLD*

Celestial

2005-09-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

75% wool, 25% mohair

Momma T

2005-09-25T12:09:00.004-07:00

Momma T
*SOLD*

SHARP!

2005-09-25T12:09:00.003-07:00

SHARP!
*SOLD*

Mad Hatter and Scarf

2005-09-25T12:09:00.002-07:00

Mad Hatter and Scarf
*SOLD*

Color Wheel

2005-09-25T12:09:00.001-07:00

A pretty collection of some Ozark Handpun yarn

Raspberry Fizzzzzzzzz

2005-09-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Adult sized hat
80% wool, 20% mohair

Ozark Oh My!

2005-09-25T12:08:00.002-07:00

80% wool, 20% mohair

Whammo Cammo!

2005-09-25T12:08:00.001-07:00

For David

*SOLD*

AHOY!

2005-09-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

100% wool

KOHLEIDOSCOPE- One of a Kind Creations at Every Turn

Come on and Shake, Shake , Shake it!

New Email Address and Google chat address

I've MOVED

Spring Cleaning at Kohleidoscope!

Visit my shop on Etsy

Come visit my ETSY shop!

SOLD - Purple Passion and Mary Tyler Mauve

Look Purty, Feel Great

KOHLEIDOSCOPE HOLIDAY HORRAY!!!!

Teaser

Welcome to Kohleidoscope

Lovely Lori

Boomer

Designer helps birth custom wool creations and babies

Welcome to Kohleidoscope!

Fine Print

Previously ...

A fresh new turn for Kohleidoscope!

And away we go ...

Ozark Handspun to Decorate Big Ben

Bustin' out all over Part One

Stitch and Bitch loves Ozark Handspun

Priorites

I have seen heaven...

Concrete Jungle hit the streets

First Skein

HOLIDAY SALE

Casey

No pictures - Santa hid them

Taking orders

San Diego

Visions of Vail

Visions of Vail view 2

Concrete Jungle

You spin me right round baby, right round, like a record baby, right round round round

Muppet Must Have (for David)

Wild Iris

Winter Fire

You Never Know

You Never Know

A note about *SOLD*

Jo Jo goes to work

The Bag Lady of the Midwest

Oh My God, It's Like, a Pre-Teen's Dream

Dynamo Deja Vu

Kohleidoscope hits the West Coast

JoJo the JuJu Queen

The head on top of my refrigerator

What do you mean "it's felted?"

Debi's Dynamo (Pre-Felting)

Fairy Tale (Pre-Felting)

Debi's Dynamo (after felting)

Fairy Tale (after felting)

Debi's Dynamo

Fairy Tale

Grandpa's Girl

Wild Violet

Magic!

Ring of Fire

Velma's Autumn

Celestial

Momma T

SHARP!

Mad Hatter and Scarf

Color Wheel

Raspberry Fizzzzzzzzz

Ozark Oh My!

Whammo Cammo!

AHOY!

A note about SOLD