Messy Karen

Pink Lemonade : part 3.

2012-01-19T16:00:00.001-05:00

for more info see Lori on her Humble Quilts blog.

Quilt Squares Quilt Along

2012-01-15T11:00:00.002-05:00

Small Quilt #1 from Quilt Squares #1 by Lori Smith.
for more info see Jo on her Jo's Country Junction blog.
or go straight to the quilt along main page.

Pink Lemonade : part 2.

2012-01-12T12:00:00.001-05:00

that triangle was cut bigger. yep. i am always afraid i will need it. and then i don't. for more info see Lori on her Humble Quilts blog.

random number has picked....

2012-01-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

10, 4, 15.
Quilting "b", Josie McRazie, and Lori have won some Wavy Wipers.

and 1, 4.
Joan and Kevin, and Lynn have won a Wavy-Wavy Scarf.

please send me your mailing info and i will send them your way.

thank you to those whose left a comment and if you suggested a name.
i liked the word Curvy. and i also thought about Ripples.
those names have been used in a few places. so i went with Wavy-Wavy.

i put together some directions and tips for beginners.
to knit my wiper pattern into a scarf.
so if you are interested. check out the links left below.
and if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Wavy Wiper Pattern.
Wavy Wiper Pattern for beginners.
Wavy-Wavy Scarf Pattern.
Wavy-Wavy Scarf Pattern tips for beginners.

Pink Lemonade : part 1.

2012-01-06T10:00:00.002-05:00

this doll quilt has a new name. Pink Lemonade. like it. for more info see Lori on her Humble Quilts blog.

another doll quilt along : fabrics.

2012-01-03T11:00:00.006-05:00

so Lori is going to have another doll quilt along. and is yet to decide on a name. just a few days into the year and already wanting to shop for some pretty fabrics to make this. but i was searching scraps for another project and put these aside. some yellows made the first cut. we'll see. the darks are shirts i bought for another project. just need a bit. so my other project need not worry. i should really use that pink ditty. which is rather old. but i rather like the large rose one. and the lights on the right are just in case. they are not very yellow. lots of brown to choose from. this one seemed just right. for more info see Lori on her Humble Quilts blog.

wavy wavy

2012-01-02T07:00:00.016-05:00

or if you like.
Messy Karen's Wavy Wiper Scarf Pattern.
not a very awesome name. or is it.
these names i liked.
Summer Surprise, She Sells Sea Shells, Tiny Waves, Skipping Stones.
but already taken. do you have a name i should consider?
are you wishing that a wavy wavy scarf could be for you.
simple. leave a comment. i will end it on Friday.
in case you could not tell there is a cream, a blue, and a navy scarf.
the cream was chosen by a friend. so only the blue and navy are left.
and although it is Wintertime. i have made these in a very soft cotton.

new day

2012-01-01T07:00:00.007-05:00

yesterday was two-thousand-eleven. today is twenty-twelve. wouldn't it be loverly. to get a small bundle of wavy wipers. a small bundle of 3 wipers just for you. i know you think so. i get oh-so-loverly-thank-yous all the time. been meaning to do this sooner. blah-blah-blah. i have two bundles. maybe three. just leave a comment on this post. simple. and come back tomorrow for something new. if you like it then you might have to leave another comment. not here. but there. so one here. and one there. i will end it on Friday. simple.

merry day

2011-12-26T16:00:00.002-05:00

hia. last week my sister noticed that her 3 kids handled their advents differently. one left the doors open. one closed them back up. and one tore the doors off. interesting. these were always a part of our holiday tradition. and we are lucky to have a popular German meat store nearby that sells other very nice things. including special items when the holidays come around. i really needed a stress-free Xmas this year. but it still had to include handmade things. so here's what i did-got-done. 2 kindle covers. 2 teatowels with names. 10 hemp washcloths. plus a few more for after holiday gift-giving. and 11 fleece hats. and the to-go-with-things were. 2 kindles. 2 purchased teatowels. and 11 soaps. mission accomplished. feels good. but to set the record straight. i gave one of those kindle to me. finally. Santa must have lost my letters for the last few years. i must write and tell him he can cross that off his list.

kindle cover. a tutorial by Elizabeth of Elizabeth's Whimsies blog. super directions. i continued the patchwork on the back instead of one piece. fits a K-keyboard nicely. for the K-touch i just made it 1/2 shorter. used an upcyled blanket in lieu of batting. so omitting the quilted stitching was not a problem. names on teatowels. my own design. thinking about doing a tutorial. are you interested. hemp washcloths. yarn and pattern by Hemp for Knitting by Lanaknits. the yarn was fabulous to work with. and the pattern super quick to make. even quicker because i dropped off a few stitches and did only 8 repeats. but a nice finished cloth measuring 8 in. x 8-1/2 in. fleece hat. The Green Pepper pattern #549. super simple. the little ones got shorter ears and just a tassel on top. the boys got longer ears and just a braid on top. and the girls got longer ears with all the braids. i omitted the topstitching and just zig-zagged-closed the opening by the back seam. i made all the sizes for the baby to the 18 year old. and very pleased that everyone liked them. soap. Pre de Provence. i got Linden and Lavendar Fig. you can also get some here. this was a recommendation from the LYS. and much appreciated. William and Kate Royal Wedding teatowels. so happy i found these. a perfect souvenier to end the year. and next year aka next month maybe these.

i hope everyone is well rested or will spend time this week to do so. my wish for you. just a few moments to enjoy the quiet of a regular day. but if you're anxious to get an early start on next year's list. above are some details that helped me.

3 things

2011-11-17T19:00:00.002-05:00

these are a few things i would like to start in 2012. Swoon. everyone seems to be making this quilt. and i can see why. i want one. might even have some fabrics. looking for a background. i ordered a pink. but it didn't work. so using it for my Blogger's BOM quilt. i like it there. The Night Garden. i emailed to get templates. and soon will be deciding on fabric. so i will make some practice blocks. and to get me started there is a lovely tutorial. can't ask for more than that. Flock Together. found while flipping thru Sarah's book. possible stash fabrics will be used. but i really-really want to use this b&w for the background. trouble is. only purchased one-eighth-of-a-yard. crazy. now i want yards of it. does anyone know who makes it. have you seen it. anywhere. help.

Underground Railroad Sampler

2011-11-16T17:00:00.005-05:00

an update. and i will put you-annoying-blocks away for a few weeks. every night they were taunting me. "aren't you going to finish me tonight". "why are you working on those other things". nag-nag-nag.i was all confused and tried to attend my October class a day late. so Wagon Wheel not finished.and for November there were so many pieces. and the little one. well as you can see. extremely tiny ones. so Carpenter's Wheel not finished. so nothing serious. i feel better. now i can work on som-other-annoying-blocks. and then something easy-pretty-please.

Blogger's BOM Quilt Along

2011-11-02T17:30:00.001-04:00

block 1 is designed by Sherri of A Quilting Life blog.

block 2 is designed by Vicki of Field Trips in Fiber blog.

for more info on the Blogger's BOM Quilt Along see Jackie of Canton Village Quilt Works blog.

a really-mini-version of my quilt

2011-10-28T09:00:00.004-04:00

i like saying that. really. i love muggie rugs and dollie quilts. but these little lovelies can be used or not used so many different ways. i know that i was going to show you my mini quilt yesterday. but when i got home. well i forgot about you. just sat there flaberghasted by all the bloggie blog hop traffic. and here too. 160+ comments. thank you. overwhelmed by many of you wanting to win. or just plain see. well i put it in the mail yesterday. and i miss it. i made the squares 3 in. only because of few of my scraps were not bigger. looks good. but they can't really handle such long ties. they look much better on the 4-1/2 in. squares. but i left them that way. Jackie can cut them down if she wants to. but the Ghastlies may not approve!! have you all been enjoying the hop. i have. been to every blog. left lots of comments. have been Ghastlie-inspired in directions i never thought of. taking some notes. and there are 5 more days to go.

Miss Karen ♥ The Ghastlies

2011-10-26T04:30:00.015-04:00

comments after 10 p.m. EST will not be included.
you are welcome to continue to comment.
congrats to Jackie #122.
you're the winner of a really-mini-version of my quilt.
will post picture tomorrow.
~~grand prize winner for today has yet to be announced.~~
there were 2 grand prize winners for Day 3.
Sheri from Ms. Penny. and YES. Jackie from Miss Karen.

today is my day to share a secret project. and it's....
my go-to-patchwork-and-flannel-blanket-with-lots-and-lots-of-ties.4-1/2 in. squares.
in a 12-by-12 design.
12 each of 12 different fabrics.
"a Ghastlie night" on white, and pink.
"trees" on white, grey, and pink.
all six prints from "Shades of Grey" by Daisy Janie.
and a blue from "Lou Lou Thi" by Anna Maria Horner.

you might also want to have a look at.
my Madison bag which i completed a few months ago.

so.
at the end of today one comment will be picked from this post.
that name will win (from me) a really-mini-version of my quilt.
got that. a really-mini-version.
AND that name will be shared with Madam Samm.
for a Ghastlie giveaway on Madam Samm's Sew I Quilt blog.

now i'm off to see what the other Ghastlie girls have been up to.
Mrs. Barb.
Ms. Loralynn.
Ms. Jen.
Ms. Penny.
Mrs. Rhonda.

The Ghastlies Blog Hop

2011-10-23T23:59:00.011-04:00

Miss Karen welcomes you.
to the 1st Annual Ghastlies Blog Hop.
it starts Monday, October 24th.
and ends Friday, November 4th.

54 of us.
have secretly been making things
using The Ghastlies fabric.
we knew it would be fun.
and thought you would think so too.

every week day there will be a list of bloggers to visit.
each blogger will show you a trick (aka their secret project).
and some might even have a treat (aka their own giveaway).
at the end of each day one comment will be picked from each blog.
and that name will be shared with Madam Samm.
for a Ghastlie giveaway on Madam Samm's Sew I Quilt blog for that day.
shipping cost will be the responsibility of winners.
however there is one prize which will have free shipping.

stop back on Wednesday, October 26th.
to see my secret project.
but be careful.
you could very well catch The Ghastlies fabric fever.

mystery sew along - day 1.

2011-09-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

a quick mystery. here are my fabrics. i cut 2 of each for a total of 18 squares. for details see Trish on her Two Peas In A Pod blog.

sew along : the Madison bag : finished.

2011-09-19T08:00:00.008-04:00

another Two Peas in a Pod pattern. made with Ghastlies fabric. for more pics of my bag see my sew along Flickr set. it's hard for me to believe that i did not initially like the Tree fabric. but got a bit of it. so really. how would i have made this bag without it.

next up for the sew along was meant to be the Spice Market Tote bag by Amy Butler (or any AB pattern). but i didn't plan well needed more interfacing and missed the deadline. but there is no reason why you can't go look at what everyone else made. while browsing the TPIAP patterns. which i guess are really called Sprouts. i was liking the St. Mary Backpack. so not part of a sew along i am going to make that. fabric has been picked. so Spice and St. Mary are in the works and need some attention.

while all this was going on a new event has popped up. it's The Ghastlies Blog Hop. if you love this fabric and wondered what to make i am sure the blog hop will give you lots of ideas. so keep an eye out for that next month.

Cream and Sugar Cowl

2011-09-16T12:00:00.002-04:00

Cream and Sugar Cowl by Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting blog.
Shalimar Yarns. Breathless. Sprout.
75% merino. 15% cashmere. 10% silk.
#5 circular needles.
other Never Not Knitting patterns.
and Coastal Knits.

Underground Railroad Sampler

2011-09-08T09:00:00.003-04:00

the September block is Monkey Wrench.
click here to see all my blocks.
24 pieced cornerstones. 0 since last time. 18 more to go.
and 128 flying geese. 32 since last time. 76 more to go.
HST's finishing the size of a dime. thankfully i only had to make 4.

Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM

2011-08-26T11:00:00.003-04:00

here's Block 12.this is the Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM from The Quilt Room. the pdf files are no longer available from the website. but the pattern has been published in their new book. Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts.

Underground Railroad Sampler

2011-08-11T19:00:00.001-04:00

the August block is Underground Railroad.
from a Quilt in a Day book by Eleanor Burns & Sue Bouchard.
the fabrics are Sweet Emilie by Jo Morton by Andover Fabrics.
this will be my 4th sampler class at Quilting By The Yard.
to complete the sashing for 12 in. blocks i will need.
24 pieced cornerstones. 2 down. 22 more to go.
and 128 flying geese. 20 down. 108 more to go.
also making 6 in. blocks. they are so cute. and make me smile.

synchronized squares quilt along : stitching.

2011-07-17T12:00:00.002-04:00

here are my 9 fabrics. stitched and then cut up. with the bottom layer trimmed to reduce bulk in the joining.

sew along : the Ava bag : finished.

2011-07-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

i dreamed of buying new fabric. but instead used this Momo black oval. and this very old blue print. purchased at a beautiful fabric store called S.P. Dunn & Co. located on LaSalle Road in West Hartford. i was so sad when it closed down. i didn't get much. but it was 54 in. wide. so i might get another project made before it hits the scrap pile. the inside pockets are padded. i like that. and the magnetic snap. much easier to put in than i had imagined. thank you Sara for choosing this pattern. from Two Peas in a Pod. for more info see Sara on her Sew Sweetness blog. and for more pics of my bag see my sew along Flickr set. next up is the Madison bag.

Country Gatherings

2011-07-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

The Kids

2011-07-01T06:00:00.009-04:00

last Sunday my sister had a party combining the birthday of her 12 year old and the graduation of her 18 year old. and i was happy to finally get my "all the kids" picture. not an easy thing to do in the middle of a party. if you tell one kid to go sit on the couch and they don't see anyone else there. they just walk away. here are the kids. standing: Gabbi holding Frankie. Brianna (bff of Gabbi). sitting: Shannon (bff of Nora). Nora. Giovanni holding Logan. Giancarlo holding Vito. Franco holding Giulia.craft-y-wise i made a birthday present and a graduation decoration.i made the Origami bag from Style Stitches. the XL size. i found this Twizzler print & used a very old strawberry print for the lining. didn't piece the outside. & didn't topstitch near the zipper. i plan to make a few more. i also made Candy Cup Cap decorations found on the Bakerella blog. these took me forever to make since melting chocolate and assembling food is just not my thing. 34 sticks filled 2 glass containers.perhaps this is where i would insert pictures of what my sister made for the party. but it doesn't always work out that way. so that's my job at the next party. she made 7-layer salad. she made oatmeal squares. she made carrot cake. she made a large cupcake cake. oooh. all that & dinner too. she's very crafty in the kitchen.do you have these signs where you live? homemade signs all over the place. thank you Sal's Mom for being crafty. & thank you Sal for sharing your sign with Franco, Josh, & Elvis.

Yo-Yo Along

2011-06-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

getting ready for a mostly-hand-sew-project. the painter's tape box bottom is my template for tracing circles. my theme is white backgrounds. and one block or 16 yo-yo's a week. Penny will be making 7.5 per day. that's very funny. she will of course finish before me. for more details visit Penny on Sew Take A Hike blog.

Simple Things Quilt Along

2011-06-20T20:00:00.001-04:00

do i feel bad about replacing those four-patches with a one-patch. no no no. i made 68 teenie flying geese. so there. then went ahead and finished all 17 star blocks. for more details visit Kelly on Charming Chatter blog or Carol on Brown Quilts blog.

synchronized squares quilt along : preparing.

2011-06-18T16:00:00.005-04:00

all week i was walking around saying "you don't need to do this one". really. but i liked where it was going. easy and scruffy. just one obstacle. could not be new fabric. so i found. in my stash. 9 light-ish florals. picked another for binding. and some background. Southern Belle. a 200 ct. muslin. for more details on this quilt along see Rachel on p.s. i quilt blog.

Simple Things Quilt Along

2011-06-14T19:00:00.004-04:00

not my favorite part. but i did it. pre-cutting. done.
must find more colors. Art Gallery fabric called Floral Elements.for more details visit Kelly on Charming Chatter blog or Carol on Brown Quilts blog.

Simple Things Quilt Along

2011-06-10T09:00:00.003-04:00

i just thought i would let you know i am doing this. the little one. of course. i had to send away for a print in black to match some prints i have in other colors. so the stitching and star points and binding will be black. i think.for more details visit Kelly on Charming Chatter blog or Carol on Brown Quilts blog. Kelly has already posted the cutting directions for the little one and Carol for the bigger one. i participated in Kelly's Half-Pint Quilt Along and finished the top but did not put it together. i remember wanting the perfect backing which i eventually found. maybe i will be inspired along the way to get that done.

Basic Ease

2011-06-02T02:00:00.012-04:00

The Quilting Book Club. Quilt 1. this is Basic Ease. from Modern Basics. by Amy Ellis. each month Shawna of 1 Choice 4 Quilting and Melanie of Above All Fabric will have kits and offer discounts. i already had these 3 prints. Blossomwood from Legacy Studio fabrics. found at JoAnn's. many times they caught my eye and when i noticed the yardage dwindling i coupon'd what was left hoping i would eventually decide on a pattern. the binding is from Lily & Will. next up is the cover quilt Posie Patch. i won't be back until it's finished. but i'll be adding assignments to my Flickr set.

Candy Bar Pinwheels

2011-05-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

old fabrics. some Yukata. and a Bella solid in grey.
just enough handstitching. planned to matchy-match the thread. but decided on a red i already had. and i very much like it better. layereed with a thrifted receiving blanket. so it lays perfectly flat.just 3 blocks. actual pattern has 6 with a border. for me this was just right. pattern measures 26 in. x 34 in. my trimmed down version measures 8-3/8 in. x 24 in.this is Candy Bar Pinwheels. a pattern by Doug Leko of Antler Quilt Design which you can find in the Moda Bake Shop. Sinta Renee of Pink Pincushion and Sherri of A Quilting Life are hosting Le Petite - a year of small projects.

a little DS.

2011-05-05T07:00:00.002-04:00

why not.

bunny day

2011-04-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

every bunny and turkey day you will find me shopping for a new towel at Williams-Sonoma. love them. sometimes i gift one. sometimes i don't. it's random. this time i stitched on the year. good idea. will do this again.

Country Gatherings

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Love A Good Cloth

2011-04-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

The Perfect Little Washing Cloth by Messy Karen.
Sugar N Cream. 100% cotton. #6 or #7 needles.
makes approx. a 4-1/2 in. square.
here's my pattern: cast on 21 sts.
or any combination of 4 plus 1.
K2, P2, repeat to last stitch, K1.
work 27 rows. cast off. weave in your ends.
i like it best in the big stripe colors.
but beauty and perfection is yours to decide.

sew along : the Jamie Dress : finished

2011-04-22T17:00:00.007-04:00

a big thank you to Sara of Sew Sweetness blog for inspiring me to sew for me. i didn't know how short a short top should be. so i started with 24 in. then made a 6 in. hem. and before taking a picture pinned it up another 3 in. so now it finishes at 12 in. now i wish i had used this fabric for a dress. and picked something else to test out a top. all that cutting down has left me with large scraps. very pretty large scraps.and it's poofy. so some fabric will be removed before i make a final hem. check out my picture that i can't crop because i am not home right now. and check out all the other Jamie's on Sara's linky party post.

Kiss Kiss

2011-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

fabric #4 for 37 kisses by Blue Meadow Designs.

Kiss Kiss

2011-04-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

fabric #3 for 37 kisses by Blue Meadow Designs.

KAL - Stage 3 - B1 thru B6

2011-04-09T07:30:00.002-04:00

two choices. going with B. can you see my 6 new rows.
working on KAL with Firefly on her I Live On A Farm blog.

Sew Along : Jamie Dress

2011-04-05T13:00:00.003-04:00

i purchased the pattern. now i need some fabric. perhaps something i already bought. becuse i am joining a Sew Along with Sara on her Sew Sweetness blog.

Single Girl : piecing curves : Ring 1.

2011-04-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

piecing curves. i had to slow this project down a bit. need to cut more background. lots of individual tracing. and individual cutting. then lots and lots of pins. and slow sewing. while removing all those pins. 15 blocks. but for today just Ring 1. next step was posted 3/7 - Katy's blog - i'm a ginger monkey - assembly.

KAL - Stage 2

2011-03-26T10:30:00.001-04:00

must get me some longer circulars.
i put on two 29 in. needles so i could fold up nicely to show you.
love love love love love this wide seed stitch border.
still wishing i could have found a worsted cotton to use.
but this yarn is "like butter". so i am enjoying every stitch.
working on KAL with Firefly on her I Live On A Farm blog.

Kiss Kiss

2011-03-25T18:00:00.001-04:00

fabric #2 for 37 kisses by Blue Meadow Designs.

KAL

2011-03-21T13:00:00.002-04:00

i started a KAL with Firefly on her I Live On A Farm blog.
she promises the pace will be s-l-o-w.
and has named it Summer in the Country Blanket.
i picked T'ika. by Mirasol. 100% pima cotton. very very soft.
of course there are issues with my choice i am overlooking right now.
hand wash. more of a DK thank a worsted. using #9 instead of #10.
and pretty sure that i will need to get more yarn than suggested.
because i think a DK row height is smaller than a worsted row height.

i ♥ quick knits

2011-03-12T20:00:00.007-05:00

Fishermen's Beanie from Rowan Classic book 17.
Debbie Bliss. Donegal Aran Tweed. 100% wool.
#6 & #7 straight needles.
i was wanting a windy-day-walk-on-the-beach-hat.
like a cotton and silk that the pattern called for.
but opted for this wooly-stuff until that other yarn comes my way.

Country Gatherings

2011-03-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Single Girl : piecing rings.

2011-03-08T15:00:00.002-05:00

piecing rings. all done. without keeping each ring safe in its own baggie. and my coloring pages. i would be totally lost. i turned my twosies into foursies and then into rings. next step was posted 2/28 - Nova's blog - a cuppa and a catchup - piecing curves.

Kiss Kiss

2011-03-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

fabric #1 for 37 kisses by Blue Meadow Designs.

Single Girl : marking, cutting.

2011-02-19T16:00:00.004-05:00

marking, cutting, (& a bit of piecing). i decided on the twin. so i need 12 blocks. to avoid each ring being identical. i did some coloring and made 5 different combinations. i am cutting 3 of each template times the 5 combinations. so i will end up with 15 blocks. in order to avoid the 31-baggie-thing. i decided to work in rings. each block has 4 rings. so i will only use 4 baggies. here there are. with a bit of piecing. it never hurts to get the next step ready. next step is 2/21 - Megan's blog - Lucy and Norman - piecing rings.

3 things

2011-02-14T13:00:00.006-05:00

i did my taxes online this morning. no paper required!! i am playing with pink yarn. wish i was finished!! and i am drinking chocolate. yumm!! next i am off to the coffee shop to meet some friends. bringing my needles of course!! have a lovely day. a very lovely Valentine's Day!!

Single Girl : pattern, templates, fabric.

2011-02-13T05:00:00.015-05:00

getting ready, making templates. they look so pretty before they get washed. would you believe that i always say goodbye to that lovely-new-fabric-sheen when i dump it in the washing machine. and i am always satisfied after it gets done. i used 2 heavyweight template sheets for the rings. i will need another for the curved pieces. i was pleased that with a little pressure the rotary cutter cut them on the straight edges. and scissors on the curved ones. although the pattern recommends 31-36. i will only be using these 5 fabrics. yet i am also thinking i might like to try a scrappy-charm-Single-Girl one day. next step is 2/14 - Katy's blog - i'm a ginger monkey - marking, cutting.

Country Gatherings

2011-02-12T20:30:00.000-05:00

Ex-Ci-Ting!!

2011-02-09T06:00:00.013-05:00

details are on Nova's blog - a cuppa and a catch up.

Midnight Stars Doll Quilt Part 5

2011-02-04T04:00:00.001-05:00

while searching for more indigo fabric. and some particular Hello Kitty fabric. i ended up throwing away more than 20 bags of junk. so my shoulders are sore. and for goodness sakes it hardly looks like i got rid of anything. these are the final changes i had to make. so review the doll quilt instructions. 6-3/4" squares cut 4. my pieced blocks were a few threads here and there a bit short of. but pretty close to 6-3/4". so not really a doll size anymore. must remember not to make silly adjustments so i can follow original pattern. check. 7-1/2" squares cut 4 into 8 triangles. 5-3/4" squares cut 2 into 4 triangles.

i ♥ patterns in 3 easy steps

2011-01-27T06:00:00.014-05:00

step 1: knit the slippers.Anna had an idea. felting that is. Me had the time. Linda no want to get left out. and Jessica in please. so off i went. i picked the pattern. sorry Anna. slippers. you can pick next time. i picked the yarn. i also picked the day we were going to start. immediately. we were going to knit last Sunday. but went to dinner & a movie instead. so i will wait for the girls to start & finish their step 1. if you are thinking about making these. the pattern says to SLIP the FIRST STITCH of every row. but to achieve this awesome-easy-sew-edge you ALSO have to PURL the LAST STITCH of every row.Easy &/or Norwegian House Slippers by Liecel Tverli Scully.
as seen on Craftzine.
Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool.
chocolate brown. light taupe. soft cream.
#9 needles.
19 sts.
465 yds. x 3 colors should equal 3 slippers.
if it makes 4 i will let you know!!

Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM

2011-01-26T07:00:00.005-05:00

here's block 6.here's block 8.here's block 10.shhhh. i might have used a charm or extra sashing to complete these blocks. what can i say. the pattern has no background yardage. not very patient. you do need to mix fabrics of the same color to make it work. for a few blocks anyway. this is the Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM from The Quilt Room. the pdf files are no longer available from the website. but the pattern has been published in their new book. Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts.

Midnight Stars Doll Quilt Part 4

2011-01-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

have a look at the doll quilt instructions. i changed one measurement. and that meant i had to change all the others. my center square is 2-3/4". my corner squares are 1-5/8".

3 Seven Sisters

2011-01-16T13:00:00.003-05:00

this was not meant to be my final block 3. just thought i would stitch it up and get on with some other projects. also known as "avoiding applique". this was meant to be my year for the A word. so not an encouraging start. but an interesting quilt if i made lots of them in different colors and sewed them together.

Midnight Stars Doll Quilt Part 3

2011-01-14T17:00:00.007-05:00

please have a look at the doll quilt instructions. because i changed a few things. so for documentation. somewhat used QIAD ruler. cut fabric for 1-1/2"x3" geese. then using 2"x4" QIAD ruler trimmed tops leaving 1/4" above point. then using regular ruler trimmed bottoms at 1-5/8". and sides at 2-3/4". my finished geese will be 1-1/8"x2-1/4". i made 4 and assembled a center square. it seemed right so i went ahead and cut the other 32.

Midnight Stars Doll Quilt Part 2

2011-01-11T09:00:00.003-05:00

it looks like my blocks are going to be 7 in. finishing at 6-1/2 in. so be warned that you will need to go look at the doll quilt instructions. because i changed a few things. using 2 in. strips with an Easy Angle ruler. i cut 72 polka-dot-triangles.

3 things

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

some sparkly Hello Kitty fabric and a big scrap from stephaniexu. and as you can see. pre-washed!! last year i made some no-washing decisions. but that was last year. then a plastic-measuring-cup fell out of the cupboard and knocked over my sister's blue-bubble-glass and broke it. notice i said the plastic-cup broke it and not me. this one measures 5-3/4 in. high. she really loves them. if you see some out in your travels. and think you can pack them safely. let me know. she has so many of the short ones. i think perhaps the tall ones are harder to find. and i already showed you these zippie bags. just get a box and keep it in your sewing room. buttons. bobbins. embroidery thread. maybe just a sewing snack. what would you organize if you had some.

2 North Star

2011-01-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Midnight Stars Doll Quilt Part 1

2011-01-07T18:00:00.006-05:00

look what i found at the grocery store.have i distracted you from the obvious. me starting another quilt. darn. let me try again. what great organizing bags!! did that work. double-darn. now you really need to go look at the doll quilt instructions. because i changed a few things. i only made rust HST's. instead of half red and half orange. it's not important that i used 2 squares to make them. instead of some-other-quicker-method. but i've had this indigo fabric for 18 years. how do i know that. because when my sister was pregnant with her first child this was the fabric i used to make a hanging diaper bag. well i cut my squares bigger than needed. and just could not cut them down to a 1-3/4 in. square when i could get a 2 in. square. i just could not cut them down. so must remember to adjust accordingly. 36 2 in. HST's in the snack section.

Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM

2011-01-05T19:00:00.006-05:00

here's block 11.silly me. been avoiding the circle fabrics all year. maybe the red solid would have worked better. moving on. next month is the last block. so i need to hurry up and complete the 2 make that 3 that i skipped. this is the Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM from The Quilt Room. the pdf files are no longer available from the website. but the pattern has been published in their new book. Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts.

1 Catch Me If You Can

2011-01-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

3 things

2011-01-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

i know it's just cardboard. but i got excited about turning this display board into a portable design board. and these cute composition books. wish i saw them before. the blank space on top is perfect for making pictures. and Target this week has a special box of regular Mead books for just $1. time to put some aside for later. the stainless steel mug is a big splurge for me. but if i am going to drink more tea this year i am going to have to start carrying it around with me. i like the handle that splits so you can attach it to something. and the lift-over opening to reveal the drinking part. fits nicely in the car-cup-holder. for the good of me i will have to get used to taking drink from plastic. yuck.

Oodles & Oodles

2011-01-02T06:00:00.005-05:00

remember the last time i oodle'd you. picking more fabrics for Freda's Flowers hasn't been going so well. it's just me. but i have a solution. will update when i make more blocks. magazines are nice to have around. even if you never make anything in them. the first two i saw on Kathie's blog. and the last one well i just got yesterday. Beatrice, if you are reading this, the quilt you were asking about is in the first one. i don't like to use my posts to respond to no-reply-comments. but if i'm going to do it for Beatrice i might as well do it for Joan. so Joan, if you are reading this, in October you won a wavy wiper and i had no way of contacting you, so call me.McCall's Fast Quilts 8/2009. i made this from pg. 52. and was inspired to do this from pg. 28. and once again that quilt on pg. 28 has inspired me. funny how some patterns make scraps look so good.BH&G Sew Scrappy 2010. cover quilt. awesome. i wanna make it. bought the template. oooh look how small that template is. and yet i still wanna make it. going back and forth on fabrics.Quilt Magazine. 2/2011. cover quilt. equally awesome. could i possibly be thinking about Xmas in January. aren't you?

Auld Lang Syne

2010-12-31T07:00:00.006-05:00

as well as celebrating the New Year, Auld Lang Syne is very widely used to symbolise other "endings/new beginnings" (from Wikipedia). this was Senior Day at a recent football game. and my sister's Xmas card this year. Nora ♥ Linda ♥ Franco ♥ Frank ♥ and Giancarlo ♥. i sincerely look forward to the New Year. and the much more. or much less. that it may bring. to my family. and to yours.

i ♥ baby alpaca

2010-12-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Eternity Scarf by Michele Wang.
#9 circular needle. 3 skeins of Rowan Lima.
84% baby alpaca. 8% merino wool. 8% nylon.
i made 3.
mixed with grey. the sage is mine.
the oatmeal and blue were presents.
my LYS made this with two colors.
then i found the original pattern was written for just one color.
so the possibilities for this one are endless.

s-Snow

2010-12-29T08:00:00.005-05:00

fun {after Xmas} = stuck in a home with lots of activity. it snowed like crazy.containers given were filled with vanilla sugar tied with a wavy wiper. and journal covers made included a pencil.i also gave 3 scarves. 1 flannel patchwork. 2 knitted. with 200 stitches on the needles i didn't quite make it. so this is how they were given. {in case you are wondering i did get them done before i went home}.not much fun {before Xmas} = my sister finding out she needed new tree lights.quiet and peaceful fun {before Xmas} = that would be Nora taking a break from her busy life to trim the tree.

on-the-go-go Xmas

2010-12-24T19:00:00.004-05:00

there's no chance i will have this absolutely finished soon. so i must just show you now. it's the next Le Petit project. i will hand quilt with Perle cotton and bind with wavy edges. except i don't even have a wavy ruler. it's a Moda Bake Shop recipe. but smaller like Sherri is making. the prairie points are these selvedges. and although the original layout is perfect. i altered it to resemble a regular tree.late again delivering the bags. but done is done.and speaking of done. i managed to make 10 of these. that would be finished and wrapped. thank you very much.i'm laughing right now. because my plan to keep-it-simple was accomplished. although even simple things can get get ugly if done late. meaning most of this could have leisurely been done in September. hehe. i also managed to put together 10 of these.i live in an old building with a beautiful lobby. somewhere in draft i have a post on this. any-who!! our lobby got a new Xmas tree this year so i made a simple tree skirt. i've never made one before. so it was definitely a quick-and-dirty-version but all that was needed.we might get snow in a few days. but for most of this month and tonight i am happy that the roads are dry. Merry-Xmas-Eve to everyone!

Country Gatherings

2010-12-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

More Advent Days

2010-12-16T07:00:00.002-05:00

late again.if i told you what was in bag 13-14. i would have to exterminate you. OMG. peanut-butter-cups without the wrapper. maybe i got this one so i could enjoy them too.

Love A Good Cloth

2010-12-09T06:00:00.004-05:00

but i have issues with this one.Spring Time Wash Cloth pattern by I Live On A Farm.
Red Heart Eco-Cotton Blend 75% recycled cotton 25% acrylic.
#5 needles on the orange. 50 sts. 11 pattern repeats.
#6 needles on the beige. 50 sts. 24 pattern repeats.
i knit the beige ones until the yarn was gone.
i washed and tested before posting.
the blend probably makes it stronger.
i did not like the way it felt when washing the dishes.
and i thought it did not absorb water when drying my hands.
so i'll be using them as a morning mat.
the pattern stitch is still lovely and i will knit again.

Christmas Cactus Quilt Along : blocks 11 thru 15.

2010-12-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

i managed to get more blue a few days ago. and since i had been working around it. i quickly got these done.all of the details can be found on Piecemeal Quilts.

Mom's Advent Bags

2010-12-06T06:00:00.005-05:00

when your advent bags get delivered late. just staple all the extra days on the first one. but you can't see what's in there. gardening balm in a tin. good for cold weather hands.i found this page of numbers in the scrapbooking store. quick. easy.

Words and Circles

2010-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

i've got selvedges. been collecting them.first i snip the end at 2 in. then i tear them off. last night i fussy cut some circles. and before i put them away. decided to cut some words too. but i was after the colorful dots. enjoy!

Love A Good Cloth

2010-11-30T09:00:00.007-05:00

this is Vito. Nora's cousin.
do i need to tell you how much we love him.
i didn't think so.
Baby Bib O'Love from the Mason-Dixon Knitting books.
Rowan denim 100% cotton.
Belle Buttons by Dritz. 11/16 in. made of coconut.
this yarn shrinks and eventually is supposed to fade like denim.
i made 4. and they are so cute i just wanna make more.

Christmas Cactus Quilt Along : blocks 6 thru 10.

2010-11-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

that extra grunge color photogs a bit yellow. which it is. but i keep referring to it as lime. and i think i am out of the blue since i used it in Butter Churn. the pace of this quilt along is perfect if you cut out ahead of time. or can stay home for 25 days in a row. or or or. if you don't have to stop in the middle and get more fabric.all of the details can be found on Piecemeal Quilts.

Butter Churn

2010-11-20T07:00:00.005-05:00

i love this red and blue oval fabric from Freebird. and i want to explore more of this blending of many background fabrics.me thinks being picky interferes with the creative process. even if the results are good i often wonder what i could have done. but was happy that i agreed on 2 with red and 2 with blue. a mix of Pure, Shangri-La, Rouneries, and a Basics pin dot. the other red and blue fabric is from Boutique by Chez Moi. and then there is that grunge border.most of the time i just try to buy fabrics i love. and when they co-mingle on the table. i often find that some of them just go together. which is what happened with the grunge.fabrics from Quilt Taffy, Pink Chalk Fabrics, The Sproutz Store, and Quilting By The Yard.this is Butter Churn. as a follow-up to A Year of Schnibbles. Sinta Renee of Pink Pincushion and Sherri of A Quilting Life are now hosting Le Petite - a year of small projects. last month's project was to make Paganini. i didn't make mine yet. but i am deciding on some fabrics. check out last month's parade from Sinta Renee and from Sherri.

Christmas Cactus Quilt Along : blocks 1 thru 5.

2010-11-12T08:00:00.005-05:00

Sandi has put together some great instructions. there are 25 blocks. and you have to make 4 of each one. i am using grunge from Fruitcake. plus an extra grunge color.i first saw grunge from Figgy Pudding when i made this. i remember my reluctance to use it. but now find it perfectly suited for this pattern. and now even more colors are available. my squares are cut 2 in. and Sandi includes directions for squares cut in other sizes. all of the details can be found on Piecemeal Quilts.

Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM

2010-11-06T11:00:00.002-04:00

here's Block 9.this is the Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM from The Quilt Room. the pdf files are no longer available from the website. but the pattern has been published in their new book. Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts.

Stitches East 2010

2010-10-30T20:00:00.015-04:00

i remember not going last year. and that might have happened again. but i volunteered to unpack boxes for my LYS a few days before it opened. and got this handy-dandy-badge with my name on it. Barbara and Richard are the owners of Sit 'n Knit. and their booth included a large selection of Opal sock yarn. and the cutest dolls and clothes that you knit from from AK Traditions. in the past you had to order from Australia. now if you are interested you can just contact Barbara. here's what i got from other vendors. from Ruhama's the Santa Monica Wrap pattern which uses Kauni Effektgarn. a very cool yarn that i would like to work with soon. i got to meet these guys on unpacking night. their booth drew you in and kept you there. from Carol of Sunday Knits the Sunday Scarf pattern and red merino called Eden. her designs are simply beautiful. then i met the lovely Allison of The Knit Princess. Allison wrote a comic-book and was actually wearing a tiara. her Vol. 1 includes a pattern for a beanie-hat-with-knitted-on-tiara. which i want to make. my last purchase was from Mercedes from Kitchen Sink Dyeworks. i liked everything. her colors and her patterns. i wanted a yarn that would resemble a tiara and we decided on a grey fingering merino called Dexter. she also spins her work with small amounts of silver that really catch the light. Stitches East 2010 was held in the CT Convention Center. and i will probably go again next year.

Rainbow Bundle and Single Wipers

2010-10-26T08:00:00.007-04:00

the Rainbow Bundle has been won by Lynn. and for leaving a comment, some Single Wipers have been won by Gari, Joan, Susan, Shannon, Tine, and Patchwork Jenn. send me your mailing info and i will get them out to you.

Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM

2010-10-21T13:00:00.002-04:00

here's Block 7.those big brown points were not supposed to have a seam. but i didn't have the other recommended ruler. and temporarily forgot how to work around it. incidently that's why i skipped Block 6.

this is the Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM from The Quilt Room. the pdf files are no longer available from the website. but the pattern has been published in their new book. Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts.

thank you. and let's do it again.

2010-10-20T13:00:00.003-04:00

a sincere thank you to all my blogfriends who have said such nice things about my Wavy Wipers. and for those of you who were curious about the DIY bundle. Rumi put together this extremely thankful post spilling the beans. other thank-you's go to Gari, Melanie, Andee, Kathie, Nanette, and many others. i like seeing something i made on someone else's blog. and it was thrilling to have sold a few bundles in my Etsy shop. i know that some of your friends did come over and take a look.

as an additional thank you i thought you might be interested in my Wavy Wiper pattern for beginners. i've always thought it a bit silly to write out every row. but my sister often wishes a pattern tells you more. maybe you feel that way too.

so. well. hmmm. what now. oh yeah. let's do it again. i made some rainbow wipers for Judy who is my talented-knitting-friend. so up for grabs is that same rainbow bundle. and one for the shop. ~~leave a comment here and i'll pick a winner on Saturday.~~ a winner has been picked.

Country Gatherings

2010-10-13T20:00:00.000-04:00

i ♥ knitting

2010-10-11T07:30:00.004-04:00

Everyday Cowl pattern by JCasa handmade.
1 skein of Noro Taiyo in color 08 found here.
i have been having little-girl-tantrums looking for this yarn in person. then finally gave up and purchased it online. this blend of mostly cotton & silk is perfect for me and for this time of year.

Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM

2010-10-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

i used another charm to finish up the corners. there were many other choices. plenty jelly roll strips left. just felt the center fabric needed to be used again along the edges. here's Block 5.this is the Jelly Roll Classic Sampler BOM from The Quilt Room. the pdf files are no longer available from the website. but the pattern has been published in their new book. Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts.

Country Gatherings

2010-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

DIY Bundle

2010-09-05T07:30:00.006-04:00

Rumi. you have been picked to receive a DIY bundle. thank you for sending in your entry. and. up for grabs. is a Single Wiper made from a new scented yarn. it's a mint green by Sugar 'N Cream. there's nothing terribly awful about it. it's just not for me. do you want it? email me. if you're the first one to do so. i'll send it to you. and i'll include the rest of the yarn not used.

Knitted Bundle and Single Wipers

2010-09-01T07:00:00.004-04:00

the Knitted Bundle has been won by Cindy. and for leaving a comment, some Single Wipers have been won by Melanie, Gari, Barbara, Patchwork Jenn, and Nanette. send me your mailing info and i will get them out to you. i'm putting together the DIY Bundle and ~~will announce~~ the winner ~~this weekend.~~ ~~but if you have not mailed me your entry it's probably too late!~~ has been picked.

Wavy Wiper - DIY Bundle

2010-08-27T18:00:00.008-04:00

it's time to put a deadline on the DIY bundle. if you remember i told you here. if you have made a wavy wiper using my pattern. just print out a copy onto back-to-school-paper. and send to me by regular mail. if you haven't done so yet. you still have time. pop it in the mail to me by Monday. and i will pick who gets to receive a whole box of goodies. enough goodies to make lots and lots of wipers.but for now i made 3 of these bundles.
one is for a birthday present.
one is hanging out in my shop.
~~one is for someone who leaves a comment here.~~
so you really don't have to knit to win.
the picking for the knitted bundle ~~will happen on Tuesday~~is over.

the picking for the DIY bundle ~~will happen next Saturday.~~
~~or when i am sure all mailed entries are received.~~ is over.

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along

2010-08-25T17:00:00.003-04:00

i completed my top.say hello to Nora's friend, Olivia.i might just add another strip around all the edges. and then shop around for the backing. all of the details can be found on Moose on the Porch Quilts. each block is made by a different designer. every two weeks. check the Flickr pool. or my Flickr set.

Medallion Quilt Along

2010-08-22T20:00:00.004-04:00

it's over. but Anita's got this other quilt along. and all the instructions are still posted here.i've had my eye on this tutorial. which uses this template. but my center block was inspired by variations like this one. i'll keep this on the wall until i decide which fabrics to use next.

Country Gatherings

2010-08-20T09:30:00.001-04:00

Wild Geese Quilt Along

2010-08-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Anita of Bloomin' Workshop saw this. and then EQ'd this.this is a David Textiles fabric. so. i've been unable to make more blocks as i ran out of background. and then i lost my extra geese that were prepped. where are you geese? i need you.

Anti-Pilling!

2010-08-14T18:30:00.005-04:00

i often browse the acrylic section to look at the offered yarns. i really don't like acrylic. i just want to be part of the tradition. a bit like that someone who makes so many blankets that everyone they know has one. me got some of those. my favorite is this brown ripple.i really don't mind the pilling. on my old blankets that is. because i respect the tradition. and i know that's what happens. just don't want it to happen to-my-work. but today i touched this especially soft yarn. and it promised not to pill. so i took some home. and i made a guage. so there you go. i'm making an acrylic blanket. go figure. no rushing here. because gosh darn it. with all the free patterns out there. i have my eye on one that i actually have to pay for. the U.S. Open starts August 30th. so hopefully i'll be busy knitting this while i watch tennis. and hopefully i won't have to be knitting with the air conditioner on. i don't ask for much. how about you. have you been gifted one of these blankets?

Love A Good Cloth

2010-08-12T07:30:00.002-04:00

Spring Time Wash Cloth pattern by I Live On A Farm.
Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Dyed Organic Cotton. color #303.
made a bit smaller. #5 needles. only 50 sts. mine measures 8 in.
love the stitch. love the back. you must make this one.