Woolen Thread By Ellen Griffen

My arts are a combination of hand sewn and hand knit items, as well as re-purposed vintage items. My arts have been in the “making” for many years. The creation of each item comes from a part of my own history. My childhood art teachers from my own family and community art programs were a mixture of fabric and fiber artists, pottery artists, various artists of different mediums for drawing and painting, and I can’t forget the years of collecting items which are being refreshed and made into new items. While I may start some items from a pattern, I generally alter the pattern for style, color and embellishments to fulfill my own ideas of how I need to see the finished piece. Therefore, each item is unique. There are only a few knit patterns which I duplicate. The re-purposed vintage items are unique and one of a kind. Some items may be purchased by contacting Ellen. I hope you enjoy what you see.

Heirloom knit flowers

I knit a large or small “Heirloom Flower” in white and red. These flowers were first knit for my daughter’s wedding bouquets, which I also created. The intent was to create a part of her bouquets which would always be her “keepsake flower” from her bouquet. While she wanted silk flowers, these Heirloom flowers could also be incorporated into a real floral arrangement. My favorite fiber is wool. I enjoy carding and trying to spin wool. I knit with several yarns first to find the type of wool which would work well for felting and wiring. So far, I keep the colors of these flowers limited to the colors available in the type of wool I enjoy using.

knit items of all kinds

The following are various other hand knit items: “Star of Wonder” ornament or gift bag. I “wonder” what might be inside? The heart also hold small gifts. I love to knit baby and toddler sweaters, so I am showing these items. I am also enjoying knitting mittens and hats.

re-purposed vintage items

The following are a few of my re-purposed vintage items. I often use vintage fabrics to make new items. For instance, this poncho was made from a wool blanket. Sometimes I find stools or small pieces of wood furniture to re-work.

Vintage Item “in the works”

Scout Mom Pin Holders

The following are my Cub Scout and Boy Scout Mother’s pin necklaces. I made these to hold my own pins presented to me by my scout son as he advanced through the levels to an Eagle Scout. Each pin holder is made using a quilt pattern representing the compass of life and a harvest basket of life. These patterns represent a scouts years of hard work and service. I would make these to order.