Giving Technology a Stand

A friend of ours recently asked Gorg if it would be possible for him to make an iPad stand out of wood. He had seen one online made to look much like a giant block. After discussing the finer points of its use, Gorg came up with a design that was much lighter and more easily transported. Of course, what would be the point of a customized stand that was generic in appearance? Since our friend plays the guitar and writes some of his own songs, the stand was to be shaped like a small guitar. After finishing the prototype, it was decided that a bit more embellishing was in order. The 'guitar' itself was made of Sapele and an inlaid 'pickguard' of Walnut was added. I do believe that if they would've had more time, other details would have been added. Sometimes the hardest part of design is being willing to call it finished.

Wooden iPad Stand

 

If you have a special design that has come to mind, feel free to contact us via email or Facebook to discuss pricing and details.

Happy Holidays from The Hook and Hammer! May you have a blessed and inspired New Year.

With Cooler Weather Comes Creativity

    While I can't be absolutely positive of the reasons behind it, I can say that I'm always bit by the creative bug when the weather begins to cool. It may have something to do with feeling driven indoors by the cooler temps, but I think it's more than that. I often feel driven indoors when the temperature tops 100 degrees F (or 37.78 C for the rest of you), but I'm usually not what I would call 'creative' with my hooks and needles. I'm far more likely to be found pouring through my gardening books or staring out of the window with a sketchpad; dreamily rearranging my burgeoning flower beds and trying to maximize my botanical resources without a trip to the garden center. (Some women should not go shoe shopping. My Achilles' heel would be a yarn/fabric store or a nursery. There are days where I think it would have been cheaper to have a shoe obsession!)

    No, I think that it has something to do with the shortening daylight hours. I've always been more of a nocturnal person. I love the sun, but there is something about the darkness that pushes me. I can be absolutely exhausted all day, but the minute the sun sets, I'm wide awake. I couldn't sleep if you paid me to do it. Perhaps it blocks out many of the distractions that call to my subconscious mind all day. I'm sure that only intensifies once the kids are in bed. My mind has a chance to operate selfishly and can actually focus on one thing; for hours at a time...in peace. There are times when that feels as close to heaven on earth as I can get. When you combine that with a warm, crackling fire laid in the fireplace and either a glass of wine or bourbon or a mug of steaming, hot coffee, well, creativity runs rampant through my mind. Sometimes the execution takes quite a bit longer, but the inspiration has already taken hold.

    When I see yarns or fabrics that call to me, I want to form them into the perfect pattern; be it my own or that of someone else. I'm never content to simply pick a pattern that I love and a yarn that I love and combine the two. The result is almost always a bitter disappointment. The beautiful yarn loses its depth and sheen. The intricate pattern is lost in the quirks of the yarn. Any number of factors can combine to give an overall flat finish. Trying to find the perfect combination of stitch and yarn, to show both off to their best advantage, is my goal. If that means that it takes months to get it right, so be it. It's all worth it in the end when the finished product is ready to be worn and it looks amazing. I still have so much to learn, but it's a pursuit that is as enjoyable, perhaps more so, than the arrival.

    Here's a look at my latest, original patterns:

drop stitch wrap knit with sequined yarn and central cable

variegated teal chenille crochet scarf

Modeled with the help of my friend's Zonkey, Zoey.

wool blend, lace cowl knit by combining two different yarns

Made with a Chinese Lace stitch

    While the creative juices are still flowing, I have been and will continue to be dividing my time with a couple of rather heavily involved bridesmaid and wedding gown alterations. I love the challenge that these projects present. I'm terribly picky about the fit of my clothes, so it pleases me to no end to help someone else feel comfortable and beautiful in their own!

Happy Holidays from The Hook & Hammer!