My Michaels class schedule is updated!

Whew!  It's finally finished.

Just click on the specific dates to get more info about the knit, crochet, and weaving classes that I will be teaching at Michaels through March.

For pictures of the projects click above on the - Michaels @ Avon - Class Schedule & Projects w/Pictures tab.

Remember that any $25.00 class that you sign up for now through Saturday will only cost $15.00.

Arm Knitting classes are always $10.00
Kids Crochet & Weaving classes
                      (except for Weaving #3 are $15.00)

~Denise

Knit & Crochet Classes AND Yarn on Sale!

From December 28 - Jan 3, 2015  all knit and crochet classes are only $15.00 instead of $25.00.

I am in the process of updating my class schedule through March. Click on the calendar to the right.  I offer classes on:

Sundays (2:00-4:30)
Mondays (6:00-8:30)
Wednesdays (2:00-4:30)
Saturdays (2:00-3:30 ) - Kids crocheting and weaving

A WHOLE LOT of knitting & crocheting going on!

I have been happily very busy knitting and crocheting lately.  In addition to new projects, I even managed to finish knitting 2 hats that I started for my sons last winter.  Every so often I "make" myself finish projects before starting new ones.

Attendance at my knit/crochet classes has picked up.  Last Monday I had 5 students, the most I've had for one class in a while.  We had a good time.

On my Facebook page, UntangledStitcher, I often share FREE patterns and special offers.  Today I shared information about AllFreeKnitting.com's Yarn-Lovers-Ultimate-Prize-Pack giveaway.



The deadline is Nov 28 so enter soon and often.
You can never have too much yarn.  Good luck to those of you who enter!
~Denise

Knit & Crochet classes on sale!

NOW may be the perfect time for YOU to register for a knit and/or crochet class at Michaels.

Register between November 9-15th for any class that I have scheduled through December for only $15.00.

This applies to the classes that are regularly $25.00

If there's a class project that I had before that you're interested in, let me know and I can make it happen.

             Knit and crochet classes also make good gifts :)

~Denise

Fiber Tales Exhibition

The opening reception on Nov 1 was very nice!  I had the opportunity to meet the other artists and we talked about our works.  The show continues through November 19th, if you're in the area stop by.

    

"It's Just Hair"

Another component of the Fiber Tales Exhibit is that each piece has an accompanying 'story'. This is what goes with mine.

It’s just hair

Curly, kinky, natural, straight, wavy, nappy, relaxed, tangled, fine, thick, thin, receding.

Red, black, gray, brown, blond, fried, dyed laid to the side.

God-given, store bought, borrowed, sewn, glued.

Wet, dry, shiny, dull, wrapped, clean, dirty, flaky.  

Good, bad.

Love it, hate it, cover it, shake it, tie it up, tie it back, cut it off.

Braid, twist, curl, tease, ponytail.

Discussed, complimented, laughed about, pointed at, envied.

It’s just hair.

~Denise Smith, October 2014

HAIR

HAIR

That's the title of my latest and biggest art piece.  It was created for the upcoming Fiber Tales Art Exhibit.
This idea popped into my head a year ago.  It wasn't until this past August that I drew it.  I then created a chart from which to crochet it from.
I think this is the piece that I've most felt like an artist while creating it.  It took about 40 hours in total.  One week I worked on it practically nonstop for 3 days. That meant very little sleep and no shower.  It was a good thing I didn't have anywhere else to go :)

I also realized that the closer I got to finishing it I felt like it wouldn't be mine anymore.  The vision that had only been in my head all this time would now be out there for others to see.  That was a strange but liberating feeling.  When I finished the actual crocheting, without thinking I had a BIG exhale.  I felt so proud of myself for finding a way to bring my vision to life.
The next big moment will be seeing it hanging in the Garfield Park Arts Center along with the works of other more established artists.  The exhibit is on display from November 1-15.

The Opening  Reception is Saturday, November 1 from 5-7 pm.  It is a FREE and Family Friendly event that ALL are welcome to attend.

For behind the scenes pictures that show my work on this from start to finish, click on the Fiber Tales tab above.
~Denise

Kids Crochet and Weaving Classes

Did you know that I teach the kids crochet and weaving classes at the Avon Michaels?  5 of the 6 classes are $15 and last 1 1/2 hours.

The weaving scarf class is 2 1/2 hours and costs $25.00

Students learn the basics of crochet and weaving and create fun projects that they can make for themselves or give as gifts.

This Saturday, October 25th from 2:00-3:30 I will offer a demo where I will be working on the projects.  I will have information about the dates and times of the classes.

Stop by if you're interested or know someone who might be!

You know you've made the right decision when....

 Women in Art

D. DelReverda-Jennings, DeAnna Cannon, Laura Levine, LaShawnda Crowe-Storm, me, Jarica Passi.  Not pictured Norma 

I may have said this before, but since choosing to focus completely on creating, selling, showing and teaching , I have been blessed with more opportunities than I could have dreamed of!

Today I was on a panel of women artists who spoke to a class of students at Ivy Tech Community College.  Women in Art.  We shared our journey's, where we get our inspiration and advice for getting into the field of art.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yarn Tasting

Saturday,October 25th

10:30-12:30

@

Art by Melissa Cain

68 S. Jefferson St., Danville, IN

Explore different yarns, needles and hooks.

Bring old T-shirts to learn how

to make your own yarn.

Denise Smith

UntangledStitcher@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My next event is a "Yarn Tasting" this Saturday.  Participants will have the opportunity to explore different yarns, needles and hooks.  I will also demonstrate how to make yarn from T-shirts.  It will give potential students the chance to meet me and learn about the knit and crochet classes that I will be offering there.

Join us if you're in the area!
~Denise

YOU are invited!

The last reception for the Flava Fresh Art Show is this Friday, October 17 from 6:30-8:30.  Come out to meet the artists.

This is an informal gathering that is FREE and family friendly.

   

 

Pretty Purple  & Flowers 

These are the 2 pieces that I have on exhibit at the

 College Avenue Library

Arm Knitting at Studio B Creative Exchange

Today was quite a day for me!

I held at FREE arm knitting workshop Studio B Creative Exchange today.  It was a lot of fun.  I have art on display for another week at this location so stop by to see it and meet NaShara and Sylvia. They are doing great things!

The ladies posing with their scarves that they made.
And yes, that's my art work in the background.

 I began the day by participating in a 5k.  I planned to walk the entire distance but felt up to running some of it.  According to the official race results I finished 7th out of the 9 women in my age group; 97th out of 118 females and 159th out of 190 finishers.  My time was 48:08 (15:30 per mile)!

I didn't start in the right place, I was mixed in with the 2k'ers which made it look like I was in last place when I left the 2k loop.  I was determined to not be the last person to cross the finish line.  I know that it was all about the time I crossed the finish line and not my position among the crowd, but it felt good when I caught back up with some of the 5k'ers!  Now I want to do another 5k this month!!

Now to finish the piece I'm creating for an upcoming art show.  My next FREE event will be a "Yarn Tasting".  More details coming soon.
~Denise

I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Hide it!

Me crossing the finish line of a 5k in September.

There are sooooo many positive and uplifting songs going through my head, so if I'm having a conversation with you and I suddenly burst into song, you'll have to excuse me :)

I have "turned my  life over to yarn" as Clara Parkes says in her book The Yarn Whisperer, and things have changed right from the start!  I'd made this change and then started reading the book.

Do you know that feeling when you realize that you've made the right decision at the right time?  Multiply that by 10 and that's how I feel.  All the time.

I am no longer working at The Childrens' Museum.  I am focusing on my knit & crochet career as an instructor, artist and entrepreneur.

How do I know I made the right decision?  I'm glad you asked!

Since doing so I've...

• Had 5 new students sign up for Sept/Oct classes at Michaels
• Added an afternoon class to my schedule at Michaels
• Been asked to be part of an artist panel speaking to college students
• Applied to be a Teaching Fellow with Trade School Indianapolis
• Been asked to do a window display at the College Avenue Library (I'd already agreed to do one at the Eagle Library in November.

I'd already agreed to the following...

• Conduct an Arm Knitting workshop at Studio B Creative Exchange on Oct. 11 from 2-4
• Teach 2 classes a month at Melissa Cain Art Studio in Danville, IN (I hope to add to that now that my schedule is open)       And I'm selling items at her studio
• I'm working out on a regular basis again (it helps me to be calm) 
• I walked 2 5ks in September and have registered to do one each in October, November and December.
• I'm running again on the treadmill.
• I have the joy and privilege of volunteering with my grandchildren's schools.  
• I have the honor of spending Friday's with all of my grandsons
• I am truly blessed!

And thank you to each of you who has supported me in ways that you may not be aware of.  It means so much to me to know such creative, positive, honest, happy, artistic, caring, loving, enthusiastic, motivating, inspiring, and dedicated people who are full of life and not afraid to share it.

Thank you!

~Denise

Remember...

To see pictures of the projects, click above on "Michaels @ Avon - Class Schedule & Projects w/Pictures.

As you scroll through the pictures, if you see something that was previously offered that you'd like to make, be sure to let me know ahead of time.

To see details about the classes, click on the specific dates on the calendar to the right.

~Denise

50% Off!

Register for any Knit and Crochet class between Thursday October 2nd - Saturday October 4th and you will receive 50% off of the original price!

This applies to any class that is scheduled.  I have my classes scheduled through December AND I have added Wednesday afternoon classes!

      
New knit projects

         
New crochet projects

     
New Kids crochet projects

    
Kids Weaving projects

Click on the calendar to the right to see which class is offered when.

AND I will be leading a FREE Arm Knitting workshop on Saturday, October 11th from 2-4 pm at Studio B Creative Exchange located at 613 N East Street in Indianapolis.  You can bring your yarn or purchase it from me for $5.00.

I hope to knit or crochet with you soon!
~Denise

Class calendar is updated!

I have added my September classes to the calendar to the right.  Click on each date to get more information about the classes.

To see pictures of the projects, click above on the tab- Michaels @ Avon- Class Schedule & Projects w/ Pictures.

Remember that I can be very flexible with my classes so if YOU want to learn something other than what is on the schedule be sure to let me know.

I look forward to knitting and or crocheting with YOU soon!
~Denise

#FamilySupport

I am soooooo grateful to have children (5) and grandchildren (4) who support my artistic endeavors!  They listen, look and make time to attend my events.  

Thank you guys, I love you all!!

Two artists

My 5 year old granddaughter and I at the Flava Fresh XI - Clowes Hall Gallery Tour and Talk on August 22nd.  The artists guided guests through the gallery and we each spoke about art.  On this piece I let my granddaughter choose the order of the squares.  I also made her earrings to match.  She wasn't there to explain our art work but when she arrived she got lots of compliments on her earrings. She loved the attention and I loved sharing the experience with her!  

        

Sweet Dreams                     #PinkLove                            Inner Strength

I recently sent a submission for an upcoming art show and there is another that I'm interested in showing at.  This means things won't be slowing down anytime soon, but that's a god thing!  I'll be doing an Arm Knitting workshop in October at a business on Mass Ave and East Street and will have items on display there too.  - More info to come.

I recently finished 2 orders and have another to work on this week.  I put my grandson's Spider Man blanket on hold to fulfill these orders but I will get back to his project soon.  I also need to finish THIS WEEK the crocheted food items for The Children's Museum.  

AND... I'm still teaching knit and crochet at the Avon Michaels.  I hope to have a demo on Saturday August 30th and we will have a Classes Open House on Saturday, September 20th.  I will show new upcoming projects and share my class schedule.  

Beginning in September I will have Monday evening classes instead of Thursday evening classes.  I will continue the Kids classes on Saturday's and New Project knit and crochet classes on Sunday afternoons.  I will also continue the Yarn Night on the 3rd Saturday of each month at Michaels. Pay $5.00 and join other knitters and crocheters to work on projects and get any help you may need.  I won't teach new techniques at these. 

Once I finish this post I will update my class schedule on my calendar so be sure to click on it to see when the class YOU will take is :)

Thank you ALL for your support!

~ Denise

Taking a minute to exhale...

Our signatures on my Sweet Dreams piece

I didn't take any pictures at the Flava Fresh XI Artist Reception on August 8th at The Indiana Interchurch Center but it was a really nice event!

The next reception is this Friday, August 22nd at  Clowes Hall on the Butler University Campus.  Flava Fresh XI Gallery Tour from 6-8:00.

I have been very busy in the past few weeks and it doesn't seem to be letting up, but I'm not complaining.

We had a family get-together last weekend that was a lot of fun.  Four generations from 6 different states.  Great!

I finished the last of my 7 original pieces for the  Flava Fresh XI show and let my 5 year old granddaughter decide the order of the Granny Squares.  I was going to put them in a random order but she decided to put the like colors together.  I even let her sign it!  (see pic above)

There's a chance I may be participating in 2 upcoming art shows. It depends if I can meet the deadlines.  I have LOTS of ideas on what to create.  More details later on those :)

I finished the 2 hats for an artist/customer and today hope to complete a head wrap/scarf for an artist/friend/customer.
I need to finish the Spiderman blanket for my grandson and some food items that will be used for Outreach activities for The Children's Museum.

I had a new student at Michaels yesterday. I'll have more info SOON on the new upcoming classes and changes to my teaching schedule there.

Oh, there's a chance I may be returning to teaching at one of the IndyPL locations.  The new manager said I could return anytime that I want to.  I need to make sure there's an interest.

AND I'll be offering a FREE arm knitting workshop in October in conjunction with a solo art display at an area business.  WHEW!  

If it doesn't fit, you must unstitch!

The original size before being mounted

That's exactly what I had to do for my latest piece.  I originally made it with 16 Daisy Squares and the canvas was 48 x 48 inches.  Well, that's just a little too big to fit into my Rav4, even with the back seats down.  So I had several choices... Not have it in the show, find someone with a bigger vehicle or make it smaller.  I chose to make it smaller. That meant running to Hobby Lobby on Saturday because they're closed on Sunday to get smaller stretcher bars.  Then the piece had to be taken off of the larger canvas.  I chose to make an all new canvas which meant buying more burlap. I didn't want to take any chances of the burlap tearing and me not having enough.  I decided to make the canvas 38 x 40 inches which meant removing 7 of the squares.  I had to remove the edging first.  Once I had it down to 9 squares, I had to re-do the edging and mount it to the new canvas.  I like how it turned out and now it fits in my car.  I measured several times and put it in before I mounted the piece to be sure.

One square

4 squares combined

I named this piece "Imagine...".  The theme for the location is Peace and to me that can be in many forms.  I wanted to show that this one piece can look different depending on how you look at it.  Just like peace means different things to different people.

This is the 3rd in a series of 5 exhibitions for the FLAVA FRESH XI, 2014-2015 Art Show. The location is at The  Indiana Interchurch Center in Indianapolis. The Artists Reception will be held on Friday, August 8 from 6-8 pm.  It is a FREE and family friendly event.  It is open to the public and offers a chance to meet the artists. There are also refreshments :)

The gold flecks don't show up in the picture

My assistants

So now what to do with the leftover squares?  I'm thinking a nice shoulder bag.  I'll post pictures when I finish it.

The lesson in all of this... don't make anything bigger than will fit in your car!
~Denise

Peace, Love & Yarn!

The Peace Festival Block Party was a lot of fun.  I estimate that I taught 20 people how to finger knit.

3 young ladies comfortably finger knitting

Busy hands

My display table

A hat box full of yarn

Kids (and adults) said how much fun finger knitting was and they could make gifts for family members.  One little boy said "whoo, whoo, look what I made!"

~Denise

A Different Kind of Stitchin'

I gave my crochet hook a brief break so I could work on some sewing projects.  First, I made my own portfolio that is large enough to hold my bigger art pieces.  It wasn't that difficult.  I bought vinyl fabric and used a smaller portfolio as a guide.  I used a regular sewing machine but did use a strong needle and thread.

             

  

I also worked to finish modifying quilt blocks for artist LaShawnda Crowe-Storm. She is finishing the last of her series for the Lynch Quilts Project.  If you haven't yet, be sure to check out her website.
The Lynch Quilts Project.

I'm also participating as a vendor for the Circle Up Indy Youth Against Violence Peace Festival.  I will offer information about the benefits of knitting and crochet as well as teach how to finger and arm knit for free.

  

My son is part of the organizing group and I'm proud to participate!