yarn bowls | The Blue Brick | Photography and Handcrafts by Shireen Nadir

Posts Tagged 'yarn bowls'

Kiln Goodies

Though I’ve been abysmal at making time for pottery (yes, it’s a New Year’s Resolution) there were a few more goodies to be pulled from the kiln last week.

These 2 yarn bowls are both done up in delicious shades of turquoise, chocolate and minty green and they’re only available at the Purple Purl here in Toronto.

Next year I’m making a point of setting aside more time for pottery – because there’s making beautiful things… and then there’s being able to be up to one’s elbows in mud and still be making beautiful things :)

Back in the saddle

Published September 24, 2012 Pottery 3 Comments
Tags: pottery, yarn bowls

Every summer I take time away from the potters wheel, and last Saturday was my first day back.

Oh, the beautiful little freshly-wedged balls of potential…

I confess, this is the stage where I find my pottery most beautiful.

You guessed it – some of those are destined to be yarn bowls!

Why I’m going to Boston (AKA the Convent Story)

Published May 2, 2012 Pottery , Yarn Bowls and Bells 4 Comments
Tags: Boston, life, pottery, yarn bowls

A few months ago the Yarn Harlot featured my yarn bowls as being great Christmas gifts for knitters – which was very lovely of her. Unfortunately it resulted in me being inundated with requests I couldn’t fill – because I don’t ship pottery.

There are lots of good reasons to not ship pottery – it’s expensive and risky and generally, when I explain this to folks, they say ‘Oh, that makes sense, thanks anyways’ and that is that.

Then I got this email:

Dear Shireen, Thank you so much for writing and for explaining the costs – I would still love to go ahead with the order – our mother superior saw your bowls and totally fell in love with them! :) So – it’s worth it! And I thank you so much for accepting the order! The wait is fine!
Happy holidays!
With gratitude,
Sister P_

Well, how could I say no? So I decided to fill just one order – hers. Over the following weeks we e-mailed each other back and forth a few times while I was preparing the bowl. By the time it was ready I realized that all I wanted was to give it to her. I had enough travel points for a short-haul flight and was feeling the need for a few solo days out of Toronto, so I wrote to her again:

“Hey, is it weird if I just come to Boston and give you your bowl?”

She replied “No, a visit to Boston doesn’t sound strange at all ! :)”

And that’s why I’m going to Boston this Friday. I’m looking forward to meeting her for dinner at the convent. I’ve already scoped out where all the yarn stores are located and I’ve booked myself into a snazzy hotel right in the middle of downtown :) I’ve heard Boston is lovely – can’t wait!

Knitters Frolic Yarn Bowls

Published May 20, 2011 Pottery , Yarn Bowls and Bells Leave a Comment
Tags: ceramics, pottery, yarn bowls

About a month before the 2011 Knitters Frolic I went into the studio and threw 12 yarn bowls for the Purple Purl’s booth. Though the Frolic is over (and the bowls did extremely well!) I wanted to share a few pics of them here.

My beauties – fresh off the wheel. This is when they’re the most beautiful to me.

And the final bowls being presented to Jenn and Miko at the Purl.

I tried out some different glaze combos

As well as some traditional favourites.

And these ones were my favourites!

Quickie Post – I’m on a roll!

Published March 28, 2011 Knitting Leave a Comment
Tags: yarn bowls

I was on a yarn bowl roll this weekend – I threw 12 new ones, all in the ‘honey pot’ shape that everyone loves.

These babies will be available for sale at this years Knitters Frolic here in Toronto this spring, at the Purple Purl’s booth.

Speaking of spring, there are so many great things to look forward to!

I close on the condo in a little over a month
I bought a brand new lens today, can’t wait to try it out!
The spring One of a Kind show starts this week
Good weather (it’s going to happen. Someday)
Tito and I are going to see the Lion King in April
I’m taking my family to see Paul Simon in May
The Knitters Frolic (did I mention?)
My sweater is alllllmooosstt there, one sleeve is done and I’m just starting the 2nd one. Now to make them match!

Sneak peek – new Yarn Bowls and Wooly Muggeths!

Published January 27, 2011 Knitting , Pottery , Yarn Bowls and Bells 2 Comments
Tags: clay, pottery, wooly muggeths, yarn bells, yarn bowls

These ones will be cute, promise. I was getting bored of throwing the same shape every time, so I’ve gone and had a little fun with this round.

This is Fred. He likes yarn, probably as much as I do.

(Ahem) rear view; Fred has been created from a mold, so I can make a little army of Fred’s to guard each pot.

This is Sally – she’s got her own yarn to hang out with.

What? Valentines is coming up, you know.

The dragonfly pot

This one will be lovely – I can’t wait to glaze it =o)

And I couldn’t forget the latest round of wooly muggeths – destined to be wrapped in what’s left of my TFA Grape and Mallard skeins. Who doesn’t want frogs in their drink?

Updated pics to come when this lot has been fired and glazed =o)

In other news, I’ve been pre-approved for my first mortgage! Tomorrow I’m viewing my first prospective properties, I’m sure there will be trials and tribulations ahead, but right now all I can think of is how much fun house shopping sounds. Did I say house? I meant snazzy, sexy, waterfront condo shopping. w00t!

Merging two loves – yarn and clay.

Published September 15, 2010 Knitting , Pottery , Yarn Bowls and Bells 4 Comments
Tags: knitting, pottery, yarn, yarn bells, yarn bowls

Late night double posting today; I wanted to share some things I just got out of the kiln – these are yarn bowls and yarn bells for knitting and crochet. The construction is simple and elegant, you place your ball of yarn either in the bell or in the bowl, thread your yarn through the groove and knit away! The pottery keeps your ball turning smoothly while you work, keeping it dust and pet-free, while also preventing it from rolling away on you. I’ve tried out each one myself, and they work like a charm :)

*Post Update* – these beauties are now available at the Purple Purl here in Toronto. They got a mention in Canadian Living Magazine and people love them =o) Want to order one, but don’t live in Toronto? Have a custom request? Email me at hello@thebluebrick.ca! Or click here to see my latest pieces =o)