Apple Washcloth

Apple Washcloth
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Here's another cute washcloth completed earlier this week just in time to send off to my sister. I'm sure I'll make this pattern again. I used Lion Brand cotton and size 6 circs. Forgot to measure but roughly 8-9 inches square.

Link to pattern used:
http://www.knittingknonsense.com/applecloth.html

Turkey Washcloth (Improved photo)

Turkey Washcloth (Improved photo)
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Same washcloth as before. Turkey shows up much better using the portable Ott light. Definite keeper pattern. I'll be doing this one again.

Here's a link to the pattern.
http://www.knittingknonsense.com/turkeycloth.html

Thundersnow!!

We have our first blizzard of the year now. There's a good 4 inches of fluffy snow in the back yard. Tonight, we will have thundersnow, so Rudolph is going to have to duck. Apparently, we have Texas to blame. They are sending their warm, moist air this way.

I don't have to go anywhere. I don't have to shovel. I am just sitting hear looking at gentle little flakes falling to the ground. I do have to make some candied nuts today, otherwise, I hope to be continuing work on that quilt and figuring out what went wrong with my latest washcloth. It was coming out all wonky shaped, but since it was a mystery, I can't be sure if that was deliberate or not. In any case, I have to practice a few knitted bobbles before redoing them on the washcloth. Mine came out more like tight little knots and that was probably not what was intended.

Coughing and I'm SICK of IT!

Whine ahead....
This coughing just never comes to an end. I knew this would happen again. I know it's going to last 5-6 months. I just hate it though because it makes quilting and even sock knitting, really, really hard. Ok..
End of whine.

I've been quilting away on the Winter Fun quilt. Made another mistake that I need to take out, but it looks like I will finally be finished with one side and can move on to the other. I am doing the border last. I seem to have some wavy issues there, so decided to wait until I was complete and work those out before I quilt them. It's a lovely all-over pattern, so any fix will pretty much disappear with the quilting. What is different on this wallhanging than other quilts, is that I'm doing a lot more quilting on it and more patterns. I'm trying out stuff I hadn't done before as well as perfecting that really small stippling.

The Ladybug Afghan is still not done, but close. I have finished all the wings and about 2/3rds of the bodies. I made the bodies in the wrong size, so had to do those over. Still have the flowers and all the wing spots to do. Maybe I'll focus on wing spots tonight as I find them impossible to do as a take-a-long. After that, it's really just a lot of hand sewing. My goal is to finish by the end of the year so that I can start something new.

Already joined Team Minnesota for the Ravolympics in February on Ravelry. I may join more than one group, but this will be the official one. My plans, at this time, are all small knitted projects. I will have a UFO (any pair of unfinished socks), a new toy (robot), and a pet project (a new felted Pi bed using Wendy Johnson's newer pattern). I'm putting all the patterns, tools and yarn into a bright red, zippered tote. Not only will I be able to find it come February, but Polly has not yet figured out how to open this particular tote, so the yarn will remain there. I really do get a lot done during this periods een if I'm not watching it on TV. I get VERY frustrated with the coverage. I missed a major upset the last time in skiing because they cutaway before the event was finished. Arrgggh... I have never skiied (I'm too clumsy and know better), but I love to watch it.

Cat Wash Cloth

Cat Wash Cloth
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Used Lion's kitchen cotton on size 6 circulars. Seed stitch border. OK.. I think it is time to get rid of the sticks. The circs were SO much easier on my arthritic thumbs! I liked this particular cat. It reminded me somewhat of a Siamese and we have been owned by 2 of those in childhood. I plan to do this one again, but in a 2 tone as a hot pad. In any case, this one will also be going to my sister as a test washcloth.

I really, really need to add better lighting. For all 3 of these projects, I plan to add links to the free directions as well as a link to the KAL. You can also access the KAL via Ravelry. Just type in knitdishcloths in the search for Group.

Santa Hat Washcloth

Santa Hat Washcloth
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

The first of 2 KALs for December. This is a Santa hat made from Sugar and Creme using size 7 needles. Garter stitch border. Cute, cute, cute. This will be going to my sister, who has requested knitted washcloths, as a test item. I previously made her just an ordinary garter stitch diagonal dishcloth and she loved that.

My photo isn't so good, but better than the one I did before. I need to figure out how to get the lighting just right.

Turkey Washcloth

Turkey Washcloth
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

I rejoined a washcloth group and I made a turkey for the first project! This was part 1 of 2 washcloths for a November KAL. Made with Lion's kitchen cotton and size 6 needles. Cute, cute, cute. I had given up on picture washcloths before because, well, the picture didn't come out. I am a loose knitter and by going down a couple of sizes, it's coming out perfect.

Continuing Quilting Projects

Some new purchases and continued slow work on projects.

I am on No Buy for a year at Stashbusters and this includes books. I can buy B's - backing, background and Batting. I'm also on No Buy for books, but for every 2 quilting books I part with, I can get one. I traded off 2 quilting books at PaperbackSwap this week, so I was able to include a new quilting book in my Amazon order. Honestly, I SHOULD get rid of half my quilting books, but that is too painful of a process. I'll go in bits and pieces.

Butterfly Album: Monarchs & More by Bea Oglesby is the only book I've seen that focuses on appliqueing monarchs. Lots of details to add extra pizzaz to even a plain butterfly block, which is what I was looking for. I'm really taking to applique. I just need to spend more time doing it.

For fabric buys, I got some gold background for doing Bonnie's current mystery. I have plenty of Christmas fabrics in red and green, some solids in tan, but I had no gold background. So, now that I have that, I will be able to start cutting by Monday. If you want to participate, here's the link: http://quiltville.com/carolinachristmas1.shtml. Just go at your own pace, she will keep the instructions up until June. To keep the mystery, just don't click on the next step until you are done with the current one.

Mill End still has the 60% coupon thing going on, so my gold background wasn't very expensive at all. My Mom wants me to make her some cotton jammies, so I have to go back next week and select something for her. Of course, since I get the scraps that will likely bias me as to which fabric I will select. :) Hmm...pink, blue, jungle animals? We shall see. Someone emailed me about Mill End Textiles. No, this is not quilt shop fabric. It compares very favorably with the better quality cottons at both Joann's and Hancock's and I don't hesitate to use it, but I wouldn't use it with primarily quilt shop fabrics just because the feel is different.

I'm still working on socks. I hope to get ONE pair done by the end of the year and that will be the pair I just started last week! There is no design to follow. Just straight sock knitting reusing yarn from an earlier project start. Then I will stop trying to participate in the sock KAL and finish all the ones I have started. After all, I really want to wear them while it is cold! I'm beginning to understand why some people now ONLY do the two-at-a-time method! I'm in!

Shopping Continues

Using another Mill End coupon, I bought the background fabric I needed for Bonnie's new Mystery. It's expensive going on No Buy for a year, but by limiting myself to buying only the B's only (background, backing, batting), I'm saving a bundle. I am also on no buy for quilting books, although I will get something quilting related with the Christmas money I have. Honestly, I should really clear out half my book collection because I really don't have the space, but it's hard to give them up.

Spent THREE days fixing the Winter Fun quilt. I did a fabulous job of a shingle pattern on the house roof and then realized that the white roof was supposed to indicate a snowdrift. Had to take it all out and now I'm ready to requilt it tomorrow. I'm free forming various patterns in all the white spaces. Yes, some are leaves because I couldn't think of how to do a feather. My plan for tomorrow is to finish quilting this half and then, pinning the other half. Then I need to spend the rest of the day cleaning up and putting stuff away. Really needs it.

Frenzied Shopping

As expected, I joined in on the Day-After-Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza. Resisted a lot, but bought more of what I needed than planned.

Mill End Textiles had a 60% off coupon and 1/2 off most other fabric. Located in MN, WI and the Dakotas, they carry a lot of end-of-run fabrics. You never know what they have. I used my coupon to get an entire bolt of marbled pink quilter's cotton for $2/yard. Also purchased some shirt fabric and a little Oriental fabric to send to a swap hostess who helped me a couple of months ago.

Today (Saturday), I took a run to Joann's. Bought about 6 spools of various cotton threads for 50% off. I was VERY disappointed to discover that they have discontinued literally all name brands of batting. So, from now on if I want something for a bed quilt, I will go elsewhere. I will likely continue to use the Soft and Crafty hi loft for tying, but I know that I will need to get 2 batts when I do. I do use Mountain Mist (the only brand they seem to have kept) for wallhangings. They do have Fairfield 80/20, but I've used it before and prefer Hobbs for my scrap quilts. I continue to get Quilter's Dream at the local quilt shop - that stuff is LUSH. Couldn't find anything to spend my 50% off coupon on so bought another skein of Bernat Sock Yarn. Bought some cute pink stuff too.

After that, I went back to Mill End because I had another 60% off coupon. Found ANOTHER bolt of backing fabric, this time a lovely oriental with pink flowers. The pink in the flowers goes well with the pink I bought yesterday, so this makes an ideal selection for a Reversible quilt. $2 yard. If you compared this fabric with a quilt shop, it is a little thinner. But it does compare favorably with Hancock's and Joann's higher end cottons.


I bought the Nov./Dec. 09 Quiltmaker magazine for the cover quilt (pictured left). I was disappointed to find out that it is done using fusibles. However, I really have to get over my resistance to that technique and just do it. I'll bet this will make a fabulous quilt. On the other hand, I may make the wall quilt to get my feet wet. I'm just resistant because I think that the fusible will make the quilt stiff.

I also like the tree quilt in the same issue (pictured right). My sister has requested some small wall quilts and this one would certainly fit her outdoorsy theme in the living room. This is a crib size, so I'd have to make it a tad smaller, but what a cute way to use up strips of green!

My energy levels have finally picked up from the H1N1, so I'm hoping to get some things accomplished now! Winter Fun is not quite half quilted. I needed some different blue thread to finish the quilting and now that I have it, I can move on with finishing the quilting, so that I can pin the other half.

Big Busted is Done!

I've now completed the Big Busted quilt. Final size is about 45 x 65 inches, so a lap quilt. The front was done using only stash during a quilt-a-long at Stashbusters. The batting is sewn together leftover strips from previous projects. All of the batting was the Joann's Hi Loft Soft and Crafty from last year, not the inferior product (IMHO) that is being sold now. I find hand sewing batting strips, especially thick batting strips, much better than machine sewing as it doesn't interfere with the loft. The backing is a royal blue Joann's Snuggle flannel and the binding just a new fabric that brought out the blue tones in the front of the quilt. The primary fabric used in this quilt is the last of my Millennium fabric for the Millennium quilt I was never able to do (due to illness). I was finally able to get past my disappointment of not being able to swap during the 1998-99 period and this project really is what did it for me.

H1N1 or How My Brain Fried

I thought I had a normal bad cold that turned into the absolute worst sinus infection I have ever had. The headache was so horrible. Doc says it's H1N1. Anyway, I first started getting symptoms 8 days ago and I'm still sick. So, fellow crafters, make sure you have what you need because you will not want to go anywhere while you recuperate.

I finished the binding on the lap quilt I was working on and it is complete. I'll give it its own entry after I have a photo. Other than that, I've been working on swap blocks. I should have read the swap instructions more carefully. I'm virtually making an entire top worth of blocks and this is a bit more work than I was planning. The pattern is Kansas Troubles and I have most of the fabric cut now. Started sewing some HSTs already. My goal is to get these blocks done by Saturday so that I can mail on Monday.

I have done no knitting or crocheting since I got sick. Between being really miserable and now coughing all the time, I just didn't want to deal with it. Handling yarn after you've been coughing a ton is just plain icky.

Being sick is always a good time for a movie marathon, if your head isn't pounding. This time around, I chose the entire Star Wars series. I honestly don't think I saw Episode 3 before, so I'm looking forward to it. I am watching them in the order they came out (i.e. 4, 5, 6, then 1, 2, 3).

Other Projects

Alas, due to a family illness, I have completed quite a bit more of the crocheted Ladybug Afghan. Now, all 35 blocks are done as are 9 ladybug bodies and several pairs of wings. I have to do the circles for the wings at home (that black is just hard to crochet in all but bright light), so I am seeing this going along at a quick pace.

I have 4 pairs of socks that will continue to be worked on until done. As far as the From the Top Down KAL on Ravelry, I'm on hold until November and December. During those months, only a basic sock is being done, so I'm pretty confident I can get those done during the month. In fact, one will just be a redo of what I started in August (sock toe was too big so I'll just start over). I really need to find a better backdrop for sock photos though. Hmmm...

After the first of the year, I'll be hanging up the knitting needles and returning to cross-stitching until Summer. Well, yes, I'll finish the started socks, but the rest of my sock yarn will be packed away until I get one or two cross stitch projects completed.

Finally, yes, the quilting projects continue. I just finished tying and trimming a scrap quilt yesterday. Then, I need to work on the quilting for my Mom's winter wallhanging. That won't actually take that long, but because I don't have a lot of pins, it's taking longer than expected. I need to quilt one area, then repin, and it's a pain.

Train Quilt is Done!

Here's the final photo of the Train Quilt. Hard to get it all to fit in! The primary pattern is Square-in-a-Square. The final measurements are 45x96 inches, perfect for a recliner. I used 2 layers of Soft n Crafty Hi Loft and tied it using Cascade 220 wool yarn. I agree that I didn't trim the blocks correctly, but nobody seems to notice that around here (if you can't see it from the photo, it doesn't exist, right? I used 5 different train fabrics on this (still have one left over to use somewhere else) and as always, I used some solid colored fabric to give the eye some place to rest as well as frame the novelty fabrics. The backing is just a plain brown flannel from Joann's. The kitties, especially Bart, already approve of the quilt.

If you have never done square in a square, here is a link. I recommend making your squares 1/4 inch larger and trim to correct size (1/4 inch beyond edge extra for sewing line).
http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/square.in.a.square.htm

Quilting Projects This Week

First, the Train Quilt was completed last week. We've had a lot of rain, so hopefully, I can post a photo soon. This week, I'm working on 2 quilt projects. One is Big Busted and the other is Winter Fun. Here's a link my original posting of those projects.
http://waytoomuchstash.blogspot.com/2009/05/big-busted-is-busted.html

Big Busted is a finished top from a quilt-a-long at Stashbusters earlier this year. I am piecing together thick batting from tying previous quilts to make a batting for this one. Whatever batting is left over will go into a cat pad for my precious pets. I have one more strip of batting to complete my batting for the center. This part has been a comfy TV project. I have abandoned the idea of using pieced flannel for the back. I don't have enough of coordinating colors and I don't want it to look weird either since this is a lap quilt for the living room. I'll look at Joann's and see what I can find in the way of Snuggle flannel. The scraps will be used in the cat pad.

Winter Fun was a swap from QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com last winter. The top is done, I want to complete the quilt this month. Currently, it is pinned and I've done a small amount of quilting. This will be the first quilt where I'm using different quilting motifs in every block. It will be a wall quilt, so I will be adding a sleeve to the back.

I've had several requests from family members for wall quilts, so I think this winter, I can look forward to a few small projects. My sister threw out ideas such as fish, deer, loons. Her goal is to reduce the sound in her home (lots of wood floors). I do have a pattern for a large deer quilt, but honestly, I don't think that she has a wall that can accommodate it. I have a number of fish quilts I can do including realistic lake/river fish. For my bro, he HAS the wall space, but his interests are hard to gauge. I'm thinking anything forest-like that includes wild animals would work for him. When I get to him, maybe I'll show him some pattern ideas. He likes tapestries without a ton of detail.

Did a couple of other little sewing projects this week. Used some Vikings and U of M Gopher polar fleece to make a kitty pad for my dad's cat (for use while watching games) and a 16 inch square pillow for my BIL. Made a pillow case for my bro that matches the flannel on the back of his winter quilt (the Citrus Stars). The small amounts left over will go into more cat pads.

Ladybug square

Ladybug square
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

After more than a year of working on this afghan, I have finally completed one ladybug! Sorry for the washed out appearance. I guess I need to take these photos outside during the DAY! This ladybug has a very 3 dimensional look to it and is just so darn cute. There is also a 3 dimensional daisy square, but it just doesn't show up at all with a flash. After counting, I still have one more white square to do (darn it all!), but my current goal is to complete this project before the end of the year. I'll continue to treat it as a take-a-long project until December, but then finish anything remaining.

This adorable crocheted ladybug is a purchased pattern by Maggie Weldon. You can get it at www.maggiescrochet.com.

Knitting and quilting (again)

First, so sorry I haven't posted recently. I hate to put posts without photos and I've had a lot of computer problems since the resent upgrade. Things aren't quite right yet, but at least internet access seems to be stable.

First, I'll start with the knitting. I'm making Trilobites from Wendy Johnson's book, Socks From the Toe Up. I can see that participating in a sock contest that only lasts a month just doesn't work for me. I am about 2 inches shy of finishing the FIRST sock, so clearly, once again, I will not be able to enter the contest for prizes on Ravelry. Lovely sock though and I will likely make this again in future. Nice and stretchy and the yarn works absolutely perfectly with the pattern. I'm using Knit Picks superwash in Tuscany and size 0 needles (Knitpicks nickle circs). I've concluded that the only contest I will likely be able to actually FINISH a pair is the one in November or December that uses just the basic pattern in stockinette. Anyway, I will continue to work on these and the other unfinished ones. I need some done socks before it gets too cold!


On to crochet! No photos right now, but did want to say that I've finished about 80% of the Ladybug Crocheted afghan. I discovered I have 2 squares left to do, but have already started the flowers. I get to sit at a long medical appointment next week, so really need to make up ONE ladybug before the staff threatens my coffee supply. They watch this thing getting worked on, square by square, every time I am there. I had expected to actually be completed in June, but what with fewer appointments, that hasn't been happening. It's really hard though. I want to get it done, but it is my take-a-long project and I have nothing else exactly lined up once I start putting the blocks together, so I'll just keep plugging along.

Next, on to quilting. The train quilt is rapidly reaching completion. Here it was late last week on my 'tying' table. I misplaced my little Fiskars, so had to use my dressmaking shears, but otherwise, it went well. Took just shy of 15 hours to tie and make the binding. I know this because I was listening to the audio version of The Hunt for Red October, which is 15 hours long. Great story! I saw the movie and that was fabulous,but I completely understand why this story catapulted Tom Clancy's writing career.


Here is my helper, Polly, who absolutely adores helping tying quilts. If she isn't napping where I'm working, she is running off with yarn balls. Here's the kitty, tired out from chasing yarn balls. As you more experienced quilters can see, I really should have trimmed these blocks so that the corners met, but I decided to just leave them. Next time, I will REMEMBER to trim them because the quilter in me knows it really does look better with matched corners.


QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com has a new quilt-a-long. Pick a quilt swap that you participated in on that board and finish the quilt in a month. So, for October, I'm picking Winter Fun. This swap was done last winter. This is about 52 inches square and I plan to hang this vs. using it as a lap quilt. Bought some cute snowman fabric for the back today and plan to pin tomorrow (have to find my box of pins!). This will have different types of quilting depending on the block. What did I make for this swap? The windmills (top row, 2nd block) and the rail fence (bottom row, 2nd block).



I'll try to be better about updates. As we approach Winter and the end of the allergy season, I hope that I will be able to get more accomplished!

More Socks

I have finally finished one of my On Hold Socks. I dropped a stitch on the heel and could NOT figure out how to eliminate the hole (it was a wrap stitch), so am ripping back.



For the Socks From the Toe Up KAL, I started these Trilobite socks yesterday. Have finished the toe and a first run through the chart. Really does lovely things with this yarn. I'm using Tuscany Multi in Knit Picks Essentials sock yarn. I am using a small size 1 (2.25 mm) circular to knit this. I have one mistake (left in), but find the only problem I have is a tendency to have laddering on the side that I am beginning the pattern. Seems to fix itself though.

Knitting and Quilting

Sorry, it's been a bit since I posted. Haven't been getting a lot of needlework done, but mostly because it has all been taken up with socks and just feeling out of sorts. I have yet to finish a pair, but I have 4 pair of socks on different needles. Let's focus on the currently active pair. I am making the "On Hold" pattern from Wendy Johnson's Socks from the Toe Up. As much as I love the result, I detest working on lace. I may appreciate the lacemaking after I am more familiar with the toe up process. I do love working on circulars and may never pick up my double pointed needles again.

Progress from July 2009. Shows the pattern very nicely.


This shows my progress today. Sorry for washed out photo. As you can see, I finished the heel and about 3 inches of the ankle of one sock. The other is waiting for me to start the heel. Done on separate circs as I still haven't quite figured out how to work them on one set of circs yet. These are running just a little big. Next time I have a 66 stitch sock, I'm dropping a few stitches. I'm using size 0 circs and just am not going to go to any lower sizes. Too hard to pick up dropped stitches.


As always, a needed pet photo. Here is Polly in the window well of my craft room. That is a Mile A Minute afghan she is laying on. I'm also thrilled to pieces about the new window. I can finally open AND close the window instead of opening and having to use a hammer to close it. Don't have to put plastic on it either - no drafts.


Finally, here is part of the now completed Train Quilt top. This quilt is for my Dad to use in his recliner as he often sleeps there, so it is specially sized. I bought the binding today and still need to sew the backing together and find some red wool yarn. I hope to start tying it some time this week. To you quilters reading my blog: I completely agree with you. I should have cut the square-in-the-squares smaller so that the corners just met. However, non-quilters don't even notice, so I'm not going to either. Next time, I will do it right. I was able to use all but one of my train fabrics in some way in this quilt. The final one is going to be used to make a matching remote control holder. Whatever is left over, I plan to trade off to someone. I have SO much fabric, I decided not to quibble over scraps - trade the leftover novelties off for something I can use and someone else will benefit from these now out-of-print fabrics.

Sock Knitting!

First, I had to abandon my previous socks as they were too big. I still plan to do them with that yarn, but just a temporary hold. In the meantime, I started my sock for the Socks From The Toe Up monthly challenge at Ravelry. This group is devoted to Wendy's patterns, both published and free on the net. This month it is Lace Ribbing. I'm using a Palette yarn from Knit Picks for this first challenge and size 1 needles. I don't know why I had so much trouble with the toe. I restarted 6 times and gave it a rest and then did it again twice this morning before I got it right. It still isn't perfect (I had to add some rows to have 32 stitches on both needles), but damnit, I'm not starting it again!

As I learned from the other sock, I have loose gauge, so am just following the instructions for a regular 8.5 inch sock. Then I'll check the fit and adjust if need be. I just can't knit 8 stitches to the inch and I can't knit with those 00 needles either. So, it's either 1 or 0 and I'll enjoy myself. I do plan to get circs later on so that I can knit with 2 circs instead, but I'm comfortable with doublepointeds. I do find it impossible to knit while watching TV. These no-line bifocals are just at the wrong level for my knitting and it's annoying. I just take my glasses off to knit. I am getting new frames for my other lenses (the ones for cross-stitching) and then I probably will have less problems. Gives me an excuse to listen to my audiobook.

Square In A Square

Yes, focus is my problem. Natch. Anyway, I did 2 sample blocks for my Dad's Train quilt and they look pretty nifty. The red has tracks in it. I like it fine, but it just seems to lack pop. Not sure yet what I will do, but I still have 3 other train fabrics to incorporate into this thing. My Square in a Squares are actually too generous, so I might have to cut that some. As this quilt is for sleeping in the recliner, I'm limited to 50 x 100 inches. A little awkward, but a regular twin is too wide.

Big Busted is Busted!

I have been making the mystery quilt from the Stashbusters yahoo group and the top is now done! Bad time of day to take photo, but as you can see, the graphic (windmill blades) isn't very strong due to my choice of light fabric. Still, it's a nice lap quilt, totally made from stash and scraps. I love, love, love the border! My sister and BIL happened to request a lap quilt at the time this mystery started so when I have it quilted, they will likely get it. If I make this again, I will use a light fabric, maybe a marble, throughout. Behind the quilt is the new retaining wall that has been interfering with my crafting! Lots of skut work still to be done although all but the end cap of the wall is up now. A part of the patio is also being replaced. Everybody has taken a break however, so hopefully it will be done before July heat sets in.



It is no surprise that there are no photos of socks. I will be working on socks tonight and maybe, just maybe, might get one done before the end of the month.

Also, another photo op! I finished a top that was part of a Winter Fun swap at www.QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com. My blocks were the pinwheels and rail fences. I'll have to put this top up and gaze upon it during commercial breaks to figure out how I'm going to quilt it. It needs more than in-the-ditch quilting, but I haven't decided what. I'm hoping for inspiration.

Mystery is Nearly Done!

For those of you working on the Stashbuster Mystery, I am nearly finished with Steps 8 & 9. I have to go to the library today to print out the final pages. This is actually a very good mystery because I have absolutely NO IDEA what this thing is gonna look like and typically by now, you have a good vision.

I had a goal to get these very first toe up socks done before the end of May and I'm not doing so good. I'll post on June 1 exactly what has been accomplished as I plan to work madly over the weekend to try to finish at least one sock.

What has been getting in my way is the new retaining wall. It is now up, but not completed. Further work also has to be done to the patio. Work that needs to be done, but interferes with my crafting!

Citrus Stars Quilt DONE!

Finished the Citrus Stars quilt last night. The photo is a little dark, but I can't seem to get access to my photoeditor. It is a dark blue star background in the border, not black. Extra large twin sized quilt, it measures 72x90 inches and has a flannel backing which features a Debbi Mumm squirrel print (my bro is a fan of squirrels). I used Joann's Soft and Crafty Hi Loft and tied it using Cascade 220 wool yarn. It looks very Miami, but adding the green and dark blue gave it a more male look, which was needed since this is for my brother. The background is various white on white vine fabrics. The strip of green at the bottom was to give just a tad couple more inches. Probably should have put it at the top, but its done and looks great.


The 4 patch stars are a free pattern and I added 1 inch sashing between them. I used my Eleanor Burns Flying Geese templates to make the 6 inch flying geese in the border. While this quilt did use up 5 yards of stash, it really isn't a big stash user as you need a solid background for it and quite a bit (I think I used 6 yards).
http://www.scrapquilts.com/4star.html

What I'm Doing

Sorry, I've been a little light on the postings. First, TV watchings. I'm not a big TV watcher, but there are several things coming on that I do enjoy. The exciting news is that Primeval and Eureka are back!! Primeval, Season 3 (BBCA) starts tonight and Eureka is back to finish Season 3 (delayed due to writer's strike) in July. Since I don't have HBO, I'm also looking forward to getting my DVD of True Blood at the end of this month. I love the books, I hope the series is as good. I also get to work my way through Buffy and Angel series this summer. Picked these DVDs up for a good price, used, so that I could take my time. Finally, I'm getting all of the New Doctor Who and Torchwood series. Lots of stitching time here when it's too hot or mosquito ridden for me to go outside!

Quilting: The Citrus Stars quilt is nearly done. I just started hand sewing the binding to the back, but it will take a few days. I started cutting the fabric for Pirates/Parrots reversible quilt. All but the sashing has been cut for Pirates, so that I can make pillowcases with the remainder. Now, I have to figure out the plan for Parrots so I can start cutting that. This week, I will also start cutting out the trains for Dad's chair quilt. It will be a square in a square type quilt and will likely have train tracks for the border.

I just received my first installment of a BOM. This is called Snowman Collector and this quilt will be for me. I just love these snowmen. Yes, it ends up expensive over the long haul, but so darn cute.


Knitting: Working on 2 different pairs of socks. Had set these down to finish up Citrus Stars and will pick up again as soon as the binding is done. Both are 'basic socks', so nothing complicated about them. I need to get my toe up done very quickly as the monthly KAL starts in June.

Crocheting: the Crocheted Ladybug afghan is really reaching a great stage. I have 31 of the 35 background squares now done. I will be moving on to doing the ladybug parts and the flower parts, all of which get attached to the background squares.

Cross Stitching: Bought a whole bunch of DMC floss from Stashbuster's List Mom, Sandra. Ironically, she works only a mile from where I live, so I got to save on shipping and just pick it up at the front desk. I'll admit, for hand stitching, cross stitching has been taking a back seat for awhile. I will be bringing it back out to the forefront soon and have picked Sunday as my day of the week to just work on cross-stitching.

Ok.. that's about it. I need to go out and finish mowing the back before Primeval starts. I promise - photos - soon!! My Kodak program is back and I think I found my cable to connect the camera (thieved by interested kitties).

Garage Sale and Quilt-A-Long

First, the garage sale was a success. Most of my fabric went the first day and most of my yarn the second. Also sold most of the quilt and crochet books and booklets. What is left are smaller pieces: Millennium fabric, city fabric (looks like Chicago) and some fabric book panels (Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh). There will be another garage sale in July, but all different stuff. If any of my followers are interested, let me know!

I am also joining an EASY quilt-a-long. I wanted to join the Stashbusters mystery quilt, but I have no printer, can't read the darn files (new drive, lots of stuff to put back on) and they are already on the 2nd week (I was NOT gone a week!). So, I'm bummed, but decided on this other quilt-a-long which also uses stash. It's a 9 patch set in white sashing. Really, a nice summer quilt that can be made any size. It's a do-a-block-a-day quilt-a-long. I think I can manage that. Here's the link:
One A Day Quilt A Long

I think I'll include some of that Chicago Skyline and Millennium fabrics in this project unless I can find someone who desperately has been looking for either of these to finish a project.

Garage Sale

I'm going off to the garage sale tomorrow morning, so won't be blogging for a week. Hopefully, while I'm gone, the guru will be able to get everything working and once again, I can upload photos.
The garage sale is being held in Browerville, MN in concert with their Browerville Days.
Browerville Days and Garage Sale

I've managed to select about 30 yards of fabric, a bunch of yarn, knitting needles, rubber stamps and books to add to the sale. The yarn was actually the hardest, but I reminded myself that these were abandoned projects and all money I raise from this sale will go for a new sewing machine.

Finally, I started my first toe up sock. It is coming out too big, so I need to rip back and adjust, but hey, I can do it and my toe is so good I didn't want to start again! Photos when I get back.

Total Idiot

I normally don't discuss politics, but I just can't help it. Michelle Bachman. A perfect example of someone who is so completely idiotic and stupid yet a bunch of voters voted her in. Another embarrassment to Minnesota. We shouldn't be worried about carbon dioxide increasing because it's natural? I used to think that this woman was just foolish. Every time she opens her mouth, she reveals more and more how incredibly stupid she is. You folks in Stillwater and St. Cloud who voted for this person absolutely amaze me. Don't you have anybody educated who runs for office there? Or is this the case of the stupid leading the stupid?

http://www.blueoregon.com/2009/04/earl-blumenauer-smacks-down-michelle-bachmann-rcrazyland.html?cid=6a00d8341c2c3f53ef0115704f502d970b

Preparing for the Garage Sale!

The garage sale is now looming, so I'm making the effort to make all the decisions now on the craft stuff. It's tough. Even after going through all my fabric in the storage unit, I only filled one box with non-quiltshop fabric. Ugh.. Going to go through a second time and see if I can't be just a little more ruthless. I already have a lifetime supply of fabric, I need to get it down to a more manageable supply! On the plus side, I finally have figured out what to do with a couple of can't-cut-it fabrics. One fabric with lovely parrots and bird of paradise flowers has hung around since about 1993. Cutting it out tonight so that I can put the leftovers into the garage sale.

Lots of aluminum knitting needles will go. I only use the 14 inch needles in a couple of sizes, so I will keep those and sell off the rest. I use circulars for most things. I have a little yarn, and a few craft & quilting books. It's easy for me to trade off or sell most quilting, knitting and crochet books online, but people want to SEE what's in a craft book, so those are going to the garage sale.

I'm still waiting for my camera software to be reinstalled on the new harddrive. Then I will be able to upload some projects in progress. Until then, you'll just have to imagine.

Things I've Done 2

I don't put too many of these on my blog, so it's about time. Popular on some blogs I've been to - but I did take this from Trish's.

Things I've done 2...

Make anything that you have done BOLD. That's the rules folks.

Started your own blog

Slept under the stars--just the one time

Played in a band--Jr High, HS and some college!

Visited Hawaii

Watched a meteor shower

Given more than you can afford to charity

Been to Disneyland/world

Climbed a mountain

Held a praying mantis

Sang a solo

Bungee jumped

Visited Paris

Watched a lightning storm at sea

Taught yourself an art from scratch

Adopted a child

Had food poisoning

Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

Seen the Mona Lisa in France

Slept on an overnight train

Had a pillow fight

Hitchhiked

Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

Built a snow fort

Held a lamb

Gone skinny dipping

Been to a Broadway show in NY

Ran a Marathon

Been in three states at once

Ridden in a gondola in Venice

Seen a total eclipse

Watched a sunrise or sunset

Hit a home run

Been on a Cruise

Seen Niagra Falls in Person

Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors

Seen an Amish community

Taught yourself a new language

Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

Gone rock climbing

Seen Michelangelo’s David

Sung karaoke

Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

Visited Africa

Walked on a beach by moonlight

Been transported in an ambulance

Had your portrait painted

Gone deep sea fishing

Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

Kissed in the rain

Played in the mud

Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco

Gone to a drive-in theater

Been in a movie

Visited the Great Wall of China

Started a business

Taken a martial arts class

Swam in the Mediterranean Sea

Visited Russia

Served at a soup kitchen

Sold Girl Scout cookies

Gone whale watching

Gotten flowers for no reason

Donated blood, platelets or plasma

Gone sky diving

Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

Bounced a check

Saved a favorite childhood toy

Visited the Lincoln Memorial

Eaten Caviar

Pieced a quilt

Stood in Times Square

Toured the Everglades

Been fired from a job

Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

Broken a bone

Been on a speeding motorcycle

Seen the Grand Canyon in person

Published a book

Visited the Vatican

Bought a brand new car

Walked in Jerusalem

Had your picture in the newspaper

Read the entire Bible

Visited the White House

Killed and prepared my own meat

Had chickenpox

Saved someone’s life

Sat on a jury

Met someone famous

Joined a book club

Lost a loved one

Had a baby

Seen the Alamo in person

Swam in the Great Salt Lake

Been involved in a law suit

Owned a cell phone

Been stung by a bee

Back On, Sortof

Well, I now have a new hard drive. Plus an old hard drive. Most of the old hard drive is as yet, inaccessible, but I do have internet access anyway.

Mostly, this post is to point out that I've added some additional links in the Quilting Links area about other methods of Quilt-as-you-go. Since I get a lot more done with this method, every time I see something done a little differently, I will include it in my Links area. There simply is not one way to do stuff and there are some ingenious methods that are very helpful.

A recent addition to my quilt-as-you-go therapies are quilt as you go Hexagons, a method that is currently popular in Australia. The backing comes over to the front and is hand stitched down. I bought some templates (shipped from Australia, arrived in about 1 week) and have done one example. My goal is to use leftover batting that won't work in my other quilt-as-you-go projects. I plan to use Halloween fabric on one side, but am struggling what to use on the other that works with typical halloween colors such as purple, blue, and orange. Very likely, I will use some sort of floral to make this multiseasonal, but haven't yet worked out the details. I could use brights - thought of that - but I really don't have many brights in my fabric collection other than yellow and orange. Hmm.. In any case, the goal is not only to use up leftover batting, but also to have a hand project that is take-a-long.

The garage sale comes up at the very beginning of May, so I'm going through books, fabric and gadgets to decide what to get out of my crafting area. Not much sewing going on, as a result. Every day, I try to applique at least one heart so I can get that heart quilt done! My sewing machine goes in this week (finally) for repair and cleaning. My foot pedal is getting worse every time I use it, and I can't machine quilt this way at all, so I need to bite the bullet and git 'er done.

Technology and Viruses

Yes, I've been working on stuff, but have had technical difficulties. My kitties ran off with my camera cord, so uploading photos has been on hold. A few days ago, I went to the BBC site to find out about a couple of series and got a virus that has pretty much brought me to a standstill. Arggggh...

As far as projects, I finished my bro's quilt top now. I'm starting on cutting out my Dad's train quilt. I'm not hurrying on this because I'm really trying to focus on getting stuff together for the garage sale on May 2. I have not picked up a crochet hook or knitting needle since I finished the other afghan and the tendonitis is FINALLY getting better - just in time for mowing season. Current active project is an appliqued hearts quilt. Going better - my inner points actually look kindof pointed now instead of rounded!

It's National Quilting Day!

We have sunlight again today! It is warm enough to go out in a windbreaker or light sweatshirt. Is this the end of coat season? Only time will tell. We still have potential for snow for another month. Also, it is National Quilting Day.

My favorite quilting board is on a Membership Drive now that all the quirks of the new software has been worked out. Originally, we were on MSN Groups which was difficult to stay on unless you had MSN as many features wouldn't work. Since Microsoft was abandoning MSN Groups, we now have a new website. If you like quilting and swaps, come on over and stay awhile. Go to www.QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com and register. Your registration will be approved within a few hours. We've had NO spam or spurious jerks, but we are a somewhat small group all over the country.

Today, I'm working on the border for my brother's quilt AND trying to finish a hearts miniature in time for my Miniatures Club meeting on Tuesday. My inner points look better with freezer applique. I miscalculated when I added only a 1 inch border on my bro's quilt. To have the flying geese end evenly, I needed 1.5 inch inner borders, not 1 inch. So, I'll get to spend a bunch of time with my seam ripper. Arrgggh!

Citrus Quilt Progress

Started my brother's twin sized quilt during a challenge over the weekend. The challenge was simply to get all the fabric cut so that I could sew another day. Here's where I am today. He wanted bright, so I took a bunch of fat quarters that I won several years ago and combined that with a bright green fabric and non-floral white-on-white. I thought the pinks made it a little girly, but when I put it together, it screamed Miami. I'm calling it Citrus Stars. I still have the border to do. I made a mistake cutting my flying geese for the border, forgetting to flip the colors after finishing the stars. Not sure it will work against the green, so will just do one side and see how I like it. I have plenty of the green to make a different border.

Also, this is the first time I have used Blogger's picture storage. Works nice, but I have to use 2 different programs to make the file sizes smaller or I will run out of room quickly. (yes, I am whining).

Finished an Afghan!

My first finish of 2009 is the crocheted 2 Color Striped Afghan! It is wonderfully light and cozy and I love the basketweave pattern (reminds me of baskets made in South America). Here's a photo plus a closeup. The closeup helps show that starburst pattern in the edging. The afghan is about 48 x 68 inches and made from 12 skeins of Woolease in Denim and Wheat. The pattern is a freebee from www.lionbrand.com. This was an ideal TV project. I made much of it while watching several series from Netflix including 4 seasons of Desperate Housewives. On the downside, I seem to have given myself tendonitis, so am giving myself a break for the next month and just crocheting the Ravelry Blocks-of-the-month.




Not yet washed and dried, so it's a tad wavy.

February Revisited

First, I need to apologize for all the problems with the photos. I've complained to Photobucket, and am told they will fix their act so that I can use them again for my blog as Webshots does not seem to be compatible.

Did a lot of work in quilting in February, but finished nothing. After I finish this last swap, I will be done with swaps for a couple of months so that I can work on other projects including quilts for bro and Dad. Not to mention all that Halloween fabric that is screaming to be cut and sewn!

I did accomplish a lot of crocheting. I have completed all but the border rounds of the 2 color striped afghan. However, I think this is the cause of my tendonitis. Fortunately, I finished the Desperate Housewive series and the Inspector Lynley series (murder mysteries) is only 1.5 hours long per disk, so my arm is doing much better. Given the near finish, I am not providing a photo since you'll see a finished one in less than 2 weeks.

Absolutely no knitting in February due to this afghan. So, March will see work on those socks as soon as the afghan is completed. For awhile, I will just be working on the block-of-the-month afghan squares and those only take 2-3 days a month to do.

A cool idea that I'm going to explore was suggested on my Stashbusters group as one way to use smaller pieces of leftover batting. It is quilt-as-you-go Hexagons. It is reversible. The idea is to take 2 different large sizes of Hexagons and cut them out of fabrics. Cut the smaller Hexagon also out of batting. Fold over the larger hex and sew. Sew the hexes together either by hand (like you would Cathedral Windows) or using a decorative stitch on the sewing machine. Each hex on the front has a border. After they are sewn together, you are done as binding isn't strictly required. I have a template that cuts multiple sizes, so I'm going to give it a shot. If I like it, I'll buy presized templates (easier to cut scrap batting)to use with a rotary cutter (I am so spoiled!). This was a current hot idea out of Australia. You can get multiple sized templates here in the US from Marti Mitchel.

Here's a lovely example from a shop in Australia that sells the templates.
http://www.geckogully.com/busyfingers/quilts/floral_hexagons_quilt.htm

In the US, templates up to 4.5 inches across can be bought from here:
http://www.ardcotemplates.com/shapehelp/hex-help.shtml
This one has larger templates.
http://www.quiltcrafts.com/templates.html

Pillowcases

I managed to burn through slightly more than 4 yards of fabric in the last couple of days making king sized pillow cases. I used novelty fabric purchased at least 5 years ago featuring fantasy characters (such as dwarves, castles, elves, wizards) and one yard featuring castle windows. Made a specialty pillow case out of the castle windows and 2 king sized pillowcases for my sister who is into playing Guild Wars (Online fantasy game). Had enough left to make one for my own king sized pillow. Haven't figured out what to do with the leftovers. Click on thumbnail for a closeup of fabric.


My plan was very simple. I chose to use only the one fabric instead of the currently popular method of using a different fabric for the edge. Commercial King sized pillowcases are 19 x 42 inches, so I trimmed off selvedges and cut fabric into 39.25 lengths (includes 5/8 inch seams). I sewed 1/2 inch edge down on one side (do on opposite sides if doing a matching pillowcases) as it prevents later fraying. Sew the 2 sides together leaving one edge open. I use a 3 inch hem and stitch twice, about 1/4 inch apart for a nice finish.

I am frustrated with Photobucket right now, so am trying posting photos from Webshots. Bart was determined to be in every photo, so here he is, checking the softness of a pillow.

Afghan and Cleaning

The 2 color afghan (Woolease) is coming along nicely. I have reached the length of the original pattern, but since I'm adding an extra stripe to make it longer, still have a week or two left to go before I start the edging. Got a lot of crocheting in due to health issues (that danged cold just would not give up the ship!), so I was at least productive in that.

On the quilting front, I've come to slowdown. Still working on my Garden Party swap and had to take the time out to sort through and reduce my scraps. I discovered a couple of boxes of them and have to get them down to fitting only in my plastic scraps bin. Just pressing wrinkled scraps does an amazing job of reducing the space they take up. I've sorted out a number of larger pieces that are really only suitable for crafts, not quilts, and will donate them somewhere as they are too small and chintzy for doll clothing. Once this is done, I can get back to quilt making.


For knitting, yes, I do plan to work on those socks as soon as I get the above mentioned swap completed. I want to send the dragonflies in with the bees to save postage, so the race is on to get them done in about a week and a half. As each dragonfly block takes an entire evening (and that is after it has been pinned!), it is a tad time consuming.

Finally, the new law regarding children's products was stayed for a year. Hopefully some meaningful adjustments will be made to it. When you consider that this law mostly hurt those who were doing the right thing in the first place, it is really annoying.

Afghan and Swap Blocks

I have been having a heck of a time trying to post to Blogger. I know the problem is with my computer, but it is so darn frustrating. Photobucket is also giving me issues, giving a link instead of a photo. Anyway, enough griping.

The 2 color striped afghan is halfway done. While I did have a lot of progress on it in January, much of that was due to watching Desperate Housewives DVDs which averaged 3-4 hours each. Almost done with season 4, so I don't really expect to finish this afghan until March. Currently, it is about 45 inches wide and 43 inches long. I'm thinking about 70 inches long and then I will add the scalloped edging.


Also have been working on swap blocks. Finished an Iris and the sewing portion of the bee blocks. Still have to add attenae (sp?). This is a 3 part swap and my final part will be appliqued dragonflies. They will probably look better than my Iris' since I've had more practice now.

This and That

This lingering cold has advanced to constant sneezing which has pretty much eaten into my needlework time. So, I've been devoting the last couple of days to cleaning, sorting and organizing my craft areas. Ok.. got WAY too much stuff. Even my PIGS (Projects In Grocery Sacks) take 2 Rubbermaid Roughneck containers. They don't all fit. Hmm.. Maybe I should stop magazine subscriptions to halt the new ideas? Dunno. I am definitely making some pillowcases however.

I have continued to progress on the 2 color stripe afghan in between sneezing fits. I'll post an update photo at the end of the month. In the afternoon, when I sneeze the least, I've also been working on finishing part 1 of a 3 part swap. My appliqued iris's look so good! I'm putting the final petals on all 6 blocks, perhaps finishing today. I have a goal to mail out by Saturday, but we'll just have to see. Starting to think what to do for part 2. Do I do another applique? A dragonfly or two would be quite wonderful if I have the right combo of fabrics. Do I have the time, however? Dunno. However, since this is for my Mom, maybe I should go that extra mile? The little voice in me is saying yes, yes, but the other, more pragmatic voice would remind me that I still have my Dad and brother's quilts to start.

It's looking like the sock I made in my sock class is going to be too small. I suspected that when reading the book since the pattern is designed for someone who wears a size 8 (I wear a 10w). Short woman, big feet. I don't want to restart until I get this swap done, but I'm glad I didn't go too far and now I have a fair sized swatch to figure out just how many stitches I have to add.

Socks!

Took a class this morning at All About Yarn in Coon Rapids on knitting 2 socks on 2 circular needles. Here is my progress so far this evening. I'm using Classic Worsted Tapestry by Universal Yarns on size 5 Turbo circulars. I'm getting 5 stitches to the inch (yes, I'm a loose knitter). Tomorrow, I'll check to see how this gauge is fitting to see if I should continue knitting the 'standard basic sock' or rip back and start over with a few extra stitches. I'm not thrilled with my beginning (have some laddering), but if it fits, I'm not inclined to rip back the whole thing. However, I wanted to feel comfortable enough with this new process before considering ripping back. I love this yarn. It's a machine washable worsted and feels really nice to knit. The book used in the class is Knitting Circles Around Socks by Antje Gillingham. If you want to learn this method, this is the book to get. Well illustrated photos and step by step to get you going. Unlike the video I bought, you can use any type of heel with this method.

New Law

Get ready folks. All you people who make donations of hats and blankets, or sell those cute little bibs at craft sales are about to get bitten. As of Feb. 10, your donation may be thrown out or your little business on Etsy closed. The law goes into effect that requires that you test for lead or phthalates if your product is intended for a child under 12. While a notice has been made that small sellers COULD sell without testing, you are still responsible and can be fined thousands of dollars if your product is found to test above a certain level. The only exemption is for second-hand clothing sold through thrift stores. No exceptions for granny making baby cardigans to sell to supplement her meager Social Security or yarn purchases. My sister, a maker of doll clothing, is selling out her stock but that won't make up for the many dollars currently invested in fabric intended for next year's craft sales. I'm not even going to bother to donate the two baby sweaters I made - I don't want them thrown out. So, I'll save them for a future baby shower. I don't know what I will do with the fabric intended for a child's donation quilt for an auction for our hospital. There is no way I can test each fabric dye to find out if it is lead and phthalates free. Maybe trade it with a mom who is making it for her own kid and isn't picky as the fabrics are too childish for a teenager.

Been Sick

I've been sick with a miserable cold most of the last week. Pretty much all I've done is work on getting some swaps done and sent out. Finished the Puss in the Corner swap which was pictured in a previous entry. Also did the blades for the Dresden Plate Swap.


I am also working on a 3 part swap. The first is an appliqued block. The one I chose is an Iris and based on a 1930s pattern. This was my example block. I'm using some darker purples for the final blocks because the light purple doesn't stand out well from the light blue background. I have the greenery done on 2 blocks now and hope to have everything done by early next week. I am a beginner at applique and my points are still not what I would want. Inner points are terrible.

No knitting at all this week although I hope to start on the Rambling Rows afghan to use up Homespun yarn. Crochet has been limited to the 2 color stripe afghan. I've used up 2 skeins of yarn now and it continues to advance while watching Desperate Housewives (season 3 now).

All work has temporarily stopped on the Mystery Quilt. I'll pick it up again on Monday. I need to do a lot of catch up due to being sick AND not running errands because it so darn cold. It was 23 below when I got up this a.m. although it was only 12 below when I ran 3 errands.

Steps 4 and 5

Having problems with printer, so printed out steps 4 and 5 of Bonnie's mystery at the library. Decided to work out of order (easiest first, natch), so I'm already done with step 5. I hope to finish step 4 today AND buy some new batteries for my camera, so you may see it before the end of today, but more likely tomorrow.

I have the awful cold that is going around. Although I'm not terribly sick, I'm really worn down and don't expect to accomplish much over the next day or two. I had planned to spend much of the weekend working on my applique swap blocks, but I prefer not to cough spittle on something I'm going to be mailing to someone else, so I think that will wait.

Step 3 Is Done!

Finished step 3 on Bonnie's Mystery quilt last night. Lots and lots of cute little pink and white 9 patches. Moving on to next step.

Step 2 Done - Whew!

I finished step 2 finally. Lots of piddly work, but it looks good and I'm done. Bonnie's instructions say I needed 1 yard of brown, but it was actually 1 1/2 yards so I needed a second. Oh well, should have gone with the larger yardage in the first place. Both look great. On to step 3!

Crafting in the New Year

I am having terrible internet problems that will likely occur until something gets fixed next week.

In the meantime, I have been crocheting and quilting. My current crochet project is a one-piece using woolease. I love the textures.


For quilting, I've been working on Bonnies' mystery that began New Year's Eve Day at Quiltville.org. I've finished step one and here's a photo of those little blocks.

Finally, I did the first block for my QATW 2009 BOM. Here it is!