Quickstitchin In Minnesota

Socks, socks, and more socks

2009-10-13T21:13:00.008-05:00

I have been on a sock-knitting kick lately. I suppose the colder weather and recent snow fall we've had have something to do with that. The striped socks on the right are for a friend who needs warm socks due to a bout with cancer. They were an experiment because it was a pattern that I sort of made up because he wears "sport" socks and I had not knit sport socks before. They are made out of Red Heart Heart & Sole Yarn in the "Rustica" colorway.

The pink socks in the middle are made out of Oasis yarn that I purchased from the South West Trading Company. They are "soysilk" and knit up with a rather "heavy" feel to them. I am anxious to see how warm they are. The red socks are a hand-dyed wool that I purchased at The Artful Ewe in Port Gamble, Washington. I love the color! The pattern is my favorite - "Wide Wale" by Ann Norling.

Vacation Yarn Stash

2009-10-10T20:36:00.012-05:00

I don't know what is more fun - quilt shop hopping on vacation or discovering new yarn shops. With both stores, I am like a kid in a candy store! Here is a photo of the yarn I purchased on my recent vacation. We found two very nice yarn shops, one in Port Gamble and one in Sequim. Most of the yarn I bought is for socks. However, I did buy some for fingerless mitts and enough yarn for 2 sweaters. I have finished the socks I started on vacation. They are made from red hand-dyed wool that I found at The Artful Ewe in Port Gamble, Washington. I liked the yarn so much, we returned a few days later to buy more yarn for a sweater. Only there was not enough of that color left for a sweater. So, I purchased some beautiful varigated blue yarn for the sweater instead. It is in the top right hand corner of the photo. It really is lovely yarn.

The photo on the top right above, are the fingerless mitts I knit for my granddaughter's birthday. I thought they came out rather nice. I found the yarn at The Dropped Stitch in Sequim. The yarn is Universal Yarn Company's Classic Worsted Tapestry in the color of Emerald.

Memorial

2009-10-06T21:46:00.004-05:00

The picture on the left is of my brother Bob and my daughter Annie, taken in January of 2008. My brother passed away on September 9th. I shall miss him tremendously! While going through photos of him I remembered many things that I thought I should write down before I forget them.

Bob was always active in sports. I remember one time when I "accidentally" broke his leg. We were keeping score at the ball park at the score board, changing or putting up numbers after each inning. We dropped one of the numbers on the ground. The score board stand was about 4 or more feet off the ground. I offered to hold Bob by the feet if he would reach down and pick up the number. I guess I dropped him and as a result, he broke his foot. We didn't find out until later that night that his foot was broken. Within a week, my parents found him running the bases at the local ball field, even with a cast on his leg.

Bob was very handsome, and thus popular with the girls in high school. We only attended the same high school for one year, as I graduated a couple of years a head of him. He was active on the baseball and basketball teams in high school and I remember him being quite a talented athlete.

Snowflake Quilt

2009-07-12T19:35:00.003-05:00

This is one of my latest projects - a snowflake quilt for a party to be un-named at the present time. The background is flannel. I am in the process of appliqueing the snowflakes on right now. I am considering quilting it by using large quilting stitches in the form of swirls.

Challenge Quilt

2009-07-12T19:26:00.005-05:00

This is the challenge quilt that I made to submit to the Chisago County Fair. It was a challenge put on by my quilt guild. The pink/black cow fabric was the challenge fabric that I had to use "substantially" in my quilt. The size could be no larger than 18 inches square. This is basically a table topper. It doesn't show up well, but I included a row of "yo-yos" on the bottom of the apron.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Fund Raiser

2009-04-17T11:35:00.004-05:00

Every year, one of my daughters helps with a fundraiser for SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) in Rochester, Minnesota. This year, another daughter and I made crayon roll caddies to donate to the fundraiser. The pattern is from the "Quilts & More Magazine", Fall 2008 issue and is called "Color Me Happy" crayon rolls. Here are photos: (1) The top photo shows the crayon roll opened, (2) the middle photo shows a top view of our "stack of crayon rolls", and (3) the bottom photo shows a side view of the same.

Woodland Beach Group Project

2009-02-17T00:18:00.005-06:00

Last spring (2008) we decided to do a block exchange for a group project. There were twenty of us involved. We planned to make 21 blocks and then make a quilt with the extra block and present it to the owners of the resort where we hold the retreat. We decided to use autumn colors and a retreat, cabin or woods theme. Each quilter who contributed a block decided on their own block design. My choice was to applique leaves on my block. It is the block in the second row from the top on the left side. It was fun to see everyone's block and how they all went together to make such a wonderful quilt. At the fall retreat, we exchanged the blocks and then someone took the blocks home to put together and quilted it for the resort owners. We presented the resort owners with the quilt at our Saturday night "Show and Tell" session. The photo on the left is what the quilt looked like. I believe the resort owners were very touched by the quilt. Several others had completed their own quilt with their blocks set slightly in a different manner, of course. It inspired me to get my done. Look for a photo of my quilt in the near future.

Woodland Beach Beach Quilt Retreat

2009-02-16T23:56:00.007-06:00

I enjoyed the spring Woodland Beach Quilt Retreat the first weekend in February. As in the past, the accommodations are outstanding, the food was wonderful, and the fellowship and inspiration from other quilters was beyond belief, in my opinion anyway! I can't say that I accomplished much in the way of quilting or sewing, but I was able just to relax and enjoy the accomplishments of others. I did finish one of the projects for the weekend. I made the child's apron featured in the Winter 2008 Issue of "Quilts & More" magazine. It's called the "Frill Seeking" apron. I plan to make the adult-sized version soon. Here is a photo of my finished project is above on the right.

I also finished a "UFO" (unfinished object). I made purses for my nieces for Christmas presents. I began with one for me, but made a mistake by sewing on the front pocket upside down. I had set it aside over the holidays. The retreat seemed a good time to correct my error and finish it. This is an Atkinson Designs pattern called "Tag Along Tote". It really is a cute purse. I modified the pattern by putting a fabric-covered button closure on the front instead of a zipper in the top of the bag. The bag is pictured at the left. I guess I also only used one handle instead of two, as I ran out of fabric.

I was also able to make three pillowcases at the retreat. All in all, not a lot accomplished -- only 5 completed small items, but I did only attend for one full day and parts of two days.

I will share about our group project in the next posting.

Socks, socks, socks

2009-01-23T20:28:00.004-06:00

Pictured at the left are the results of one of my latest group projects. Last winter I told a lady that I would knit socks for her and her six children. I am now finished with that task and today I delivered them to her. It was a good feeling.

New purse

2009-01-13T10:35:00.006-06:00

My first completed project of the new year is a purse. The pattern is called "The Convert-Able" by Tammy Tadd Designs and I made the purse through a class at my local quilt shop. The pattern was not a hard one and I love the "insert" part of the pattern as I can make one insert and several "outsides" and then just place the insert into my second or third purse. There is a tab with a snap to close the purse. I also really like the fact that there are two pockets on the outside of the purse (one on each side) that are perfect for cell phone, keys, or whatever.

The picture on the left shows the insert of the purse which hides underneath the blue interfacing. My insert has 6 pockets along the inside of the bottom.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-10T14:24:00.003-06:00

This is a celebratory year for me! -- I have a birthday next month and will be of the age that ends in an "0". I also have an anniversary at the end of the year and that will also end in an "0". So, perhaps that is a "theme" for me this year -- accomplishing or finishing lists tasks whose total ends in "0".

My first task is my resolutions for the year -- I usually don't make them, so I am going to consider them as "goals" instead of resolutions.

Goal #1: Being ready for Christmas 2009 by December 1, 2009. One of my daughters comments that if we made two gifts per month, we would be done by December. So, I have made it my goal to complete at least two gifts per month.

Goal #2: Making my Christmas cards in July (or at least this summer). I am endeavored to make my Christmas cards for several years and have ended up purchasing them instead of making them. I need to start earlier to accomplish this goal.

Goal #3: Reading through the Bible this year. I have wanted to do this for several years -- I tend to begin, but not finish. I am setting a goal to finish this year.

Goal #4: Reading one book for pleasure per month. I love to read and have a stack of books waiting for me.

Goal #5 - Updating my blog on a more regular basis -- I haven't definitely decided exactly how often, but I think it is important to do so.

Well, that does it! Five lofty goals, which is enough to begin with. I shall be updating the progress on this goals on my blog on a regular basis.

Latest project

2008-12-13T23:06:00.005-06:00

I have recently completed my latest quilting project -- one I started on May 31st of this year when I took a class. The pattern is called "Square Dance". Check back to my blog post of June 2nd for the first picture I posted of this quilt. To make it, I had to first piece together 6-1/2 inch blocks plus a border; I had to cut it apart to make the above. I really like this quilt and would be tempted to keep it if it wasn't planned for a special gift for someone!

Leaf blocks done!

2008-10-20T14:56:00.003-05:00

I didn't realize that it had been so long since I updated my blog. Guess I got busy in September, went on vacation on September 26th and didn't return until October 9th! I have been "catching up" with everything since then.

Tonight I will be finishing the last of my leaf blocks. That's good, because we are going to exchange them at a retreat this Friday! I can't wait to see what others have done with their blocks. I chose to applique the leaves because few others enjoy doing the handwork button-hole stitch as I do. Most everyone I have met does some machine applique, but mostly piecing by machine for their blocks. I really enjoy the handwork! I will post a photo of all the blocks once I have them.

Latest Project

2008-08-24T13:53:00.003-05:00

Here is my latest project. I need to make 21 blocks for a block exchange for a quilt retreat that I am attending in late October. This is the block that I have designed. The background fabric is the "Lodge" color of the Thimbleberries club quilt. I knew I would applique on leaves, but at first I wasn't sure how many I would put on each block. Originally, I was planning on 4 leaves, but it looked a little "sparse" with only 4 leaves. So, I now have six leaves -- good thing I purchased 6 colors for the leaves. I have about 4/6ths of the leaves traced and cut. I will be using the buttonhole stitch, sewn by hand, on all the leaves. I am about to start that process as my fingers are very sore from cutting leaves! The theme of our blocks had to center around fall, camping, the lake, the woods, or cabin-life. When I get to retreat in the fall, I will exchange my blocks with 19 others. We are going to donate 1 block each to the resort where we hold the retreat as last year we were the first quilt retreat held at that resort. One of us will sew up the quilt for the resort and, hopefully, they will display it in the lodge.

Australian Merino Socks

2008-08-21T19:29:00.003-05:00

These are the socks I am knitting with some Australian Merino yarn called "Needful". It is lovely to work with -- it works up nicely and feels very soft. The pattern I am using is my "tried and true" favorite pattern leaflet by Ann Norling called Adult Socks II: Play on Ribs in the Wide Wale pattern. It is interesting that although this yarn is called Australian Merino, it is made in Italy!

Colorful Quilt

2008-08-02T14:58:00.003-05:00

I began sewing rail fence strips together in a homemade "kit" that I received from someone to stitch up for charity. I really feel in love with the colorful blocks. I then made 4 patch squares with some additional scraps included in the kit. Placed side-by-side, they made a rather "busy" quilt, so I rotated the squares with plain black squares. I think it is rather striking! I am planning on adding a one-inch yellow strip around what is on the left as a first border. I would like to add black for the final border. However, that won't be enough to made this quilt twin-bed size. After I sew on the yellow border, I will "audition" other borders to see what will work. My daughter suggested adding two perhaps two or three inch borders in the red or turquose. I don't have those colors as these were all smaller pieces, but I could look for such colors in a quilt shop. I am also planning on getting suggestions from my quilt club later this week.

Opal Socks finished!

2008-08-02T14:52:00.002-05:00

I finished the socks made from the Opal yarn I purchased on line. I love them. Glad I purchased two skeins!

New socks started

2008-07-19T21:16:00.002-05:00

I began a new pair of socks for me! I fell in love with the mosaic blue yarn from Opal that I found on line. The pattern is a tried and true one that I have made several times -- Ann Norling's Wide Wale. I am using size 2 dpns.

Opal yarn is a German sock yarn that comes in many colors and types. I usually like working with the 6 ply yarn, but the mosaic blue colors just "spoke" to me.

Quilt Challenge

2008-07-18T21:10:00.003-05:00

This is a table topper that I am making. It was "supposed to be" for a challenge for a quilt show at the end of July. I didn't get it completed it time. I used the "focus fabric" of the challenge in the vase. I am planning on using it also in a border, but haven't decided on that detail yet. I love to button-whole stitch and that is how I am adhereing the vase, flowers, etc. to the white fabric. The pattern is from the Better Homes & Gardens Quilt Sampler Spring/Summer 2008 magazine. I wanted to make something similar to this for the challenge and when I flipped through this magazine, I saw this pattern and it is pretty much what I wanted to do for this challenge. The designer for the quilt in the magazine was Kathy Martin.

Lakeland Pines Quilt

2008-07-05T10:56:00.004-05:00

This is the Lakeland Pines Quilt I finished today. It is the first quarter project of the 2008 Thimbleberries Club in the Lodge fabric line.

Back Pack

2008-07-03T19:42:00.006-05:00

Here is a quilting project that I finished last night. It's a backpack. The red part needed to be quilted before I could start sewing it together. I "meander" quilted it. This is the second time I have actually done my own quilting. I did enjoy it and it has inspired me to do more of my own quilting on projects. The inside of this backpack has several pockets along the bottom. The straps include a zipper which can be unzipped to carry the backpack over both arms. Zipped, the backpack can be carried over one arm.

This backpack was from the Lazy Girl Designs, LLC pattern called "Chelsea Tote" by Joan Hawley.

Safe House Quilt Block

2008-07-02T23:03:00.003-05:00

I finished the Safe House quilt block for our Thimbleberries Club. We each volunteered to make a block out of Thimbleberries fabrics from our "stash". We will be donating this quilt to Faith's Lodge in Wisconsin -- a retreat center for parents who have lost a child or whose child is gravely ill.

This block was fun and easy to make. I am a little inspired to make the whole quilt now!

Seattle and update on quilt project

2008-06-29T22:05:00.006-05:00

In early June, I flew to Seattle for a short vacation from work. It rained almost the whole time I was there. But, that was good, because I read three books and was able to get 3/4 done with my latest quilt project. The quilt is called "Square Dance" and you basically sew 6-1/2 inch blocks together and then cut it apart and re-sew it. The photo on the left shows what you get when the second step or "re-sewing" is done. If you check back on the post prior to this one, you will see what the project looked like when I had completed the first step - sewing the 6-1/2 inch blocks together. This is really a very simple quilt to make!

Latest Quilt Project

2008-06-02T00:25:00.004-05:00

I spent several days last month (May) putting these squares
together for a quilt. I cut out and stitched together 255 six and a half inch squares. Then I added a 4-1/2 inch border around it. I mitered the corners of the
border as suggest by the teacher teaching this class. I don't know
if you can tell, but the border is red and tan striped. NOW, to
make the square dance pattern, I have to cut this top apart and
re-sew it together. Can you believe that? It was hard making the
first cut or two, but wait until you see how it turns out. I am taking this project with me to visit Annie. I'll work on it while she
is working. I'll post another picture when I have the top done. I think this is going to be so cool!

Latest purse

2008-06-02T00:21:00.003-05:00

Here is the latest purse pattern that I made. I like the purse, but not the way it's put together. That is what I really like about sewing -- I can modify the pattern the second time around! The front pocket is not very useful, as it is too small, so I plan to expand it across the entire front of the purse the next time I make it. Also, the casings for the ties on the top don't go around the purse and I think the middle bulges out, so I will modify that part too. This purse can be made mostly with scraps, which will be fun to put different scraps together and see how it comes out.

Table Topper

2008-06-02T00:19:00.002-05:00

It's been a rather stressful month, job-wise, so I have been sewing a LOT! This is a table topper that I made for me for the kitchen table.

Spring Quilt Retreat

2008-04-09T23:27:00.003-05:00

This is the "professional tote" I made at the Spring Quilt Retreat in Grantsburg during March 27-30th. It took me a couple of days to make, along with the help from a dear friend, Jan B. My copy of the pattern directions was a little confusing, so it was nice to have someone who teaches the class there to guide me along! Thanks Jan!

Quilt retreat is a nice way to complete sewing/quilting projects, get inspired by other's projects, make new friends, renew old friendships, and just relax and enjoy the comaraderie of other quilters.

Carrot Sticks

2008-03-06T14:48:00.003-06:00

This is a photo of a table runner I made for myself. I saw the pattern on-line last year and decided to make it a few days ago. It is really quite easy and quick to make!

Woodland Beach Quilt Retreat

2008-02-19T14:22:00.003-06:00

It took Tia two years to convince me to go with her to quilt retreat. At first, I thought they were expensive and that I could use the money for fabric. However, I under-estimated the benefits of quilt retreat! On February 8 - 10th, I attend a retreat at the Woodland Beach Resort in Deerwood. It was held in two of their new buildings. We had the resort to ourselves as their other "cabins" were not heated. There were about 23 or so ladies at the retreat. It is so much fun to meet new people, connect with friends, learn a new skill, and be inspired by other's ideas and work! At quilt retreat, we can sew, sew, and sew and not have the necessities of cooking and other typical household tasks keep us from completing our projects! It is very nice to have the uninterrupted time as well as the comparaderie of fellow quilters!

Completed Chocolate Purse

2008-02-19T14:20:00.001-06:00

I completed another purse. This is the second one I have done. They are so easy to make! I have plans for several more. If you like them and want to order one, let me know.

Purse Project #2

2008-02-03T12:45:00.000-06:00

I've started another purse. This one isn't necessarily for me, but may be a gift. It has floral fabric for the top, striped binding on the front pocket and the rest is brown with some colored flecks. I will use both the floral and brown fabric as the lining with pockets on one or both sides. This is such an easy purse to make and I think I would like to make several for gifts.

Mini "Duffle" Bags

2008-02-02T07:58:00.000-06:00

A friend from church asked me to help her work with the students at the local Christian school sew items for a fund raiser that they are having at the end of February. She wanted some "duffle" or tote bags. Here is a photo of what I found. The smaller flowered bag was a sample I made up from a pattern I found yesterday at a quilt store. The plaid bag is a little bigger and is made out of tons of material I found for the project. I will take them to church tomorrow to see if they are what she wants. I will have to find lining fabric to go with the plaid - not too hard because of all the colors in the plaid. This bag is rather cool because it is simply paid out of two squares of fabric. Then, you turn the square "on point" and fold like an envelope. The inside folds made "pockets". The outside folds allow you to sew a casing to allow for the cords to be eased through to draw the bag closed. We are going to use shoe strings for the cords as the ends have those plastic tips that should allow for easy insertion into the casing. The smaller bag was a 9-inch square. The plaid bag was a 27-inch square. What do you think?

Latest project

2008-02-01T10:54:00.001-06:00

Last night was my "Bag Lady" sewing class. I made this purse. It was s-o-o-o-o easy to make and I loved the process. I would like to make more. It has a magnetic snap at the top middle (inside) to help keep the contents of my purse intact. Notice the front outside pocket -- next time I want to stitch down the middle of the front to make two outside pockets. I only had time for one set of pockets on the inside of the back of the purse. I would like to make pockets on the inside of the front of my next purse too. It was fun to see all the finished purses as everyone typically choose different fabrics. There about about 6 of us in this class, but I guess it is becoming such a popular class, the instructor is scheduling another class each month!

Apron Quilt Block Swap

2008-01-24T18:04:00.000-06:00

Here are the apron blocks that I have made. They are paper-pieced and this is the first time I have done paper piecing. Tomorrow morning I will meet with the rest of the group and we will swap blocks. Each person was to make 12 blocks. We will swap 11. All our blocks were to be done with white backgrounds and "depression era" print fabric. This is the first time I have been involved in a block swap. It will be fun to see what others have done and put the quilt together. It will be a wall quilt.

Flannel Camp Blanket quilt top

2008-01-22T18:21:00.001-06:00

I recently made this quilt top in a couple of hours. It actually took me longer to cut than to sew! It is fairly easy and straight forward and would be a great quick quilt. I purchased it in a kit because I love snowmen! I don't know how I am going to quilt it yet, but time will tell - I also need to find "just the right" backing and binding. I would love to find a plaid or striped fabric for the binding.

Piecemakers' Quilt Guild

2008-01-21T22:02:00.001-06:00

Last fall, I joined a quilt guild. I never imagined it would be so much fun and inspiring. We have exchanged names for "secret quilters" and pictured to the right is the gift I received tonight. The person obviously knows I like to knit! The silver rod at the top end of the yarn is a magnetic pin catcher, so I won't need to do much bending to pick up any pins I drop!

Our guild meets monthly. We have a short business meeting, have show and tell for any projects we have worked on, enjoy a program that changes each month, then enjoy "lunch" or a snack prepared by a couple of members. We also have drawings for a "fat quarter" bag, door prizes, and some times other neat stuff. Tonight, two ladies received $25 gift certificates for making "hug" quilts. We were challenged to bring a "hug" quilt next month. "Hug" quilts are quilts we make to donate to whomever needs them. Last year, our guild donated 87 "hug" quilts!

Christmas Knitting Swap - What I sent to my partner

2008-01-20T15:30:00.001-06:00

Here is a photo of the things I gathered to send to my knitting participant in Northern Europe. I learned a lot about sending things overseas -- each country has certain restrictions for what you cannot send . . . such as anything with alcohol -- not the drinking kind, but the other kind! I had purchased hand lotion and discovered that it had alcohol in it! I didn't know if it was legal or illegal, but didn't take a chance and didn't send it. I also found out that it is quite costly to send things overseas. I was able to complete a pair of socks. The Kool-aid isn't for drinking! I discovered that people use it to dye yarn!

2008-01-20T15:16:00.000-06:00

Books Read in 2007
Mozart’s Sister by Nancy Moser
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
The Sister Circle by Vonette Bright & Nancy Moser
Round the Corner by Vonette Bright & Nancy Moser
An Undivided Heart by Vonette Bright & Nancy Moser
A Place to Belong by Vonette Bright & Nancy Moser
The Shelter of Each Other; Rebuilding Our Families by Mary Pipher
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
The Note by Angela Hunt
Where Angels Go by Debbie Macomber
Motif for Murder by Laura Childs

Christmas Knitting Swap

2008-01-20T14:55:00.000-06:00

I participated in a couple of sock swaps and one knitting swap recently. For the sock swaps, the participants knit socks and then "swap" them with another knitter. I completed two. I was suppose to do 3, but the other person didn't complete hers, so I decided we were done! I also participated in a Christmas knitters' swap. We had several "components" to gather together. The person I was supposed to send my gift to was in Northern Europe. The picture on the right is what I received from a knitter in Colorado. She was quite generous! I love the scarf!

Faith's Lodge Quilts

2008-01-20T14:33:00.000-06:00

On January 5th, I helped make blocks for quilts our club is donating to Faith's Lodge, which is a retreat center in Wisconsin that specializes in ministering to parents who have lost a child or have a child seriously ill. We were able to finish enough blocks for 3 quilt tops. One of the ladies in my quilting club offered to quilt all three quilts. The pattern was designed by Lynette Jensen of Thimbleberries. It is called "Stars of Hope" and includes star, flying geese and plain square quilt blocks. These was a fun project and I was glad to be able to participate in it. If I see the finished quilts, I will try to take a photo of each of them and post later.

Tiger Socks

2008-01-20T14:20:00.000-06:00

These are the "tiger" socks I knit for my oldest grandson. I wasn't able to finish them before Christmas, but I did finish them the first couple of weeks in January. They are made from Opal sock yarn.

2008 Update!

2008-01-20T14:11:00.000-06:00

My children have been "gently nudging" me that I need to update my blog! I can't figure out why they say so -- it's only been two months since my last post! Why the tardiness in updating my blog -- well, it probably is because I do a lot of my work (for my daytime job) on the computer and the last thing I want to do is more computer work! However, I do enjoy reading other's blogs. I am just not sure that I have as much to say as some who blog daily -- or perhaps I do, but some times for me it is better that I say nothing and "appear wise" or (as the old axom says) to open my mouth and to remove all doubt!

What have I been doing in my "spare time" the last two months? Well, sewing, knitting and reading. I was able to finish a lot of gifts for Christmas. I do like making things for people. I am trying to "hone" my quilting/sewing skills. What did I make -- placemats for my family gift exchange, about a dozen pillow cases, a table topper for my niece, and several pairs of socks. Pictures of some of these will follow this post.

I've read 5 books since I last blogged including: "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs, "The Note" by Angela Hunt (one of my favorite authors), "Motif for Murder" by Laura Childs, and "Where Angels Go" and "Christmas Wishes" by Debbie Macomber (another of my favorite authors).

Tie PIllow

2007-11-17T10:09:00.000-06:00

This is a "tie pillow" that I saw completed at my local fabric store. I thought it was quite cute and decided to make at least one for me. I will probably make more as it is so simple. I decided to whip stitch one of the edges so I could take off the seasonal fabric and put on another pillow cover after Christmas.

Latest projects

2007-11-17T10:05:00.000-06:00

These are the socks I just finished for a sock swap. It was my first time knitting with Opal 6 ply yarn. This colorway is #1714. I really enjoyed using this yarn. the pattern is called Menehune Cobblestones. It was the first time I knit this pattern also. I think they turned out rather nice!

Shrug finished

2007-10-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

I finished the shrug made from Nashua "Vignette" yarn. It is a nice wool and it is warm to wear. I am pleased with how it turned out, but would make any future shurgs bigger.

Christmas Quilt

2007-10-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

This is one of the reasons why I don't update my blog as often as other "normal" bloggers! Even though this quilt did not take that long to make, sewing and quilting do occupy a lot of my personal time. This quilt is part of the Thimbleberries "Count Down to Christmas" series. It basically is a twin size quilt. I finished the binding this past weekend and was extremely pleased that the binding went on so nicely and looked pretty good, for only my second quilt of this size that I have completed. It is a flannel quilt and quite warm. Melissa Johnson of "Seams Like Home" quilt shop did the machine quilting on this quilt. I plan to donate it to the guardian ad litem conference next month to use in their silent auction.

Socks, socks, and more socks

2007-10-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

These are the baby socks I have been working on for two weeks. I am on my 4th pair, I think! (I've lost count!). I knit two other pair, one in the colorway on the left and one in an orange colorway for a friend of my daughter who is expecting a little girl. The yarn is Encore Colorspun. It is my favorite yarn right for socks right now.

These are socks that I have knit for Christmas presents. Most of them are made from about 3 patterns that I seem to have figured out. They are not complicated, but I guess I need to start some where! Most of them are knit in Encore Colorspun except for the camouflage slmaller ones in the left of the bottom photo, which were "requested" by my youngest grandson.

Shrug

2007-10-03T15:30:00.001-05:00

This is my latest work in progress - I call it a shrug, but it's official name is "Beta's Nashua Vest'. I found the yarn at a shop in Bayfield, WI last weekend. I fell in love with it and tried it on in the shop. They had worked up their version in a green colorway. I thought the dark brick colorway was very striking! The yarn is Nashua Handknits' Vignette. It is 100% Superwash Wool. I think the yarn is working up quite nicely and can't wait to be finished. The photo shows half of the shurg.

Christmas Swap Questionnaire

2007-09-25T20:19:00.000-05:00

1. Are you religious? Yes
2. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? 38 years, Probably intermediate
3. Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? Yes. I sew, quilt and read.
4. Favorite color(s)? Blue or red; but I like lots of colors.
5. Do you collect anything? fat quarters (for quilting!)
6. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? Not in fibers that i know of, but I am allergic to some animals, so I do not have pets and I need to be careful in homes with pets.
7. Do you have any pets? No.
8. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? I like them all
9. Cookies or Sweets? Love them!
10. Do you knit socks? Yes
11. If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) mostly socks right now.
12. Do you put up a Christmas tree? Yes, preferably a real tree.
13. Favorite holiday treats? Cookies and homemade candies
14. Favorite holiday smells? The tree, cookies, cinnamon, other food smells.
15. Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate. Traditional - I think -- we go to church, have a special food with family and/or friends. Open presents. Give gifts. Sing, enjoy family and friends.
16. What are your favorite holiday traditions? I love Christmas music and I love to give gifts.
17. Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....” Jesus
18. If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? an angel or snowman
19. What was your favorite gift you've ever received? A grandchild ! Or given? Anything I've made.
20. When do you start your Christmas? Probably begin preparing right after Thanksgiving (3td Thursday in November)
21. Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? Yes, buy and make, if I have time.
22. What is your favorite Christmas dish? Hard decision - probably our family specialty of dessert -- chocolate roll with hot chocolate syrup as the topping.
23. Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Listen to them sing. Invite them in for cookies and warm beverages.
24. When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? Depends on which family members we are with. Either is all right with me.
25. Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Mostly family, but if I had a friend who was going to be alone, I would invite them over.

Quilt Retreat

2007-04-29T21:09:00.000-05:00

During March 22 - 25th I went to a Quilt Retreat with my oldest and youngest daughters. This was my second quilt retreat. We had a marvelous time. Some of the projects I worked on included:

I made the two pillows on the left for my granddaughter Hailey. They match the pillow cases she uses on her bed as pillow shams. The material was left over, so why not?

I also worked on a service project at quilt retreat, as did many other ladies. We made lots of hats for people who are under-going chemo or radiation treatments. To the left is a sample of one of the hats. They are so easy to make!

April 29, 2007

2007-04-29T21:02:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I have posted -- but I have been very busy working, knitting, and quilting. I will attempt to catch up on what I have finished since March.

Pictured to the left is the tablecloth I made for daughter #2 for her birthday. I also made her an apron with matching potholders and dish clothes and appliqued some dish towels for her. The small square border was my husband's idea!

Snowstorm

2007-03-01T16:17:00.000-06:00

We are experiencing what every school child in the state wishes for all winter -- a REAl blizzard! The snow is blowing and falling and it has been since last night. I went outside to shovel, but gave up after about 10 minutes -- it kept snowing and blowing and the 2 feet I shoveled in front of our door step will soon be filled up with more snow! I decided to wait until it stops. Good thing I have a stash of yarn and fabric -- this definitely is going to be a knitting and quilting weekend until someone comes and rescues me, because I'm in for the storm! I tried to take pictures with my camera, but my batteries need re-charging -- so I'll take some tomorrow and up load them. All I can tell you is the snow is over the tops of my boots in the driveway!

They've closed Interstate 35 from Austin, Minnesota through Ames Iowa and it looks like they are closing Interstate 90 that runs east to west in the southern part of Minnesota too! Oh the joys of snow! I am thankful that I don't have to go out and that I can make decisions about whether or not to venture out in the snow! Driving in snow is not one of my favorite things to do. So, hopefully, with my batteries charged by tomorrow, I will be able to update the three socks I have knit since my last post as well as our PILES of snow!

Anyone want to make a snowman?

Socks - Pairs 7, 8 & 9 (On the needles)

2007-02-25T14:29:00.000-06:00

Here are my current projects. Daughter #1 donated some Bernat Softee Chunky in several colors. The red, white & blue striped socks are from her stash and I thought should be great for 4th of July! The off-white socks are Paton's Classic Wool Merino and I am trying the Blueberry Waffle pattern (although I am having a tough time staying in the actual pattern). These off-white socks are for Daughter #3 who said she didn't care if the pattern wasn't perfect (bless you Lis!). And finally, I found some Opal sock yarn at a quilt shop in Woodbury. It's kind of hard to see on the photo, but it's the third pair on the right. Opal is sock yarn from Germany and it is self-striping, so I don't have to weave in all the ends -- it just stripes as I knit! Yahoo!

So, enough posting for one day. Hopefully, I can keep up on the blog a couple of times a week or so, depending on my work load.

Pair Six

2007-02-25T14:24:00.000-06:00

This is a pair of socks for daughter #2 -- they are multi-colored -- the photo doesn't do them justice! They are made out of Encore Colorspun in the Wide Wale pattern (I think I have this pattern down pat now!) I have now learned that I can make two pair of socks out of 3 skeins of this yarn, so I purchased an enough to make me a pair of these later on. Can you tell I like variegated yarn?

Socks (5th pair)

2007-02-25T14:18:00.000-06:00

My oldest daughter liked my Valentine socks so well, she requested a pair. She really wanted me to use the variegated yarn, but I couldn't find any more. I was able to use a small about in the ribbing at the top. The rest of the sock is solid red. This is again Bernat Softee Chunky. We live in a rural area, so there aren't any stores that just sell yarn too close to me. I have found some of the Encore yarn at a quilt shop about 30 miles from me. I stop in there when I work in the area. The last time I was there, the yarn was on sale. The owner isn't sure she is going to carry it any more -- how sad! I do like the Encore yarn -- it is soft and works up nice.

Valentine socks

2007-02-25T14:08:00.000-06:00

These socks were made with Bernant Softee Chunky in red and red, pink, and orange variegated yarn. I tried alternating the solid and variegated yarn at the top for the ribbing and even tried using the variegated yarn in the heel and toe. (Sorry, I guess the colors don't show up so well in the photo.) I just noticed that I have a variegated stripe going around the instep on one sock -- so they will be unique!! Oh well, I'm still learning. I don't think I quite have a handle on changing colors in the toe. I'll have to visit a yarn shop where I can get some advice in person or perhaps someone on the sock knitters group will tell me!

Snowstorm

2007-02-25T13:56:00.000-06:00

I am uploading and posting a lot on my new blog today, mostly because we have had a snowstorm in Minnesota --- the first real one in my area all winter. We hardly had any snow this winter and then this one came along to remind us what winter can be like. It wouldn't be so bad if my resident snow shoveler was home, but he is 300 miles south of here taking care of some very special young people in our lives! (Hi H and L!)

I got up at 7 am to have a hot cup of coffee and to start shoveling out the car before church. I heard a noise that I could not place and looked out the window. Well, there was a friend of my husband's snowblowing our driveway. I thought he was coming over tomorrow before I left for work, but here he was blowing all that snow away! Thank you Mr. G! He even came after the city snowplow came by, so I'm not really snowed in! Thank you J for arranging for the help! (P.S. Church was cancelled due to the storm!)

The top right hand picture was how much snow was on my car --it doesn't look like much in this picture, but the right hand side of the car had between 8 and 10 inches of snow on it! I think I shoveled and brushed off snow for a half hour. I don't know if it will do any good because it is supposed to snow more and the wind is really blowing!

Socks #4 - Experimental

2007-02-25T13:50:00.000-06:00

I tried to adapt the pattern I used for my previous pair for this sock. I liked the pink TLC Wiggles yarn, but not the blue (yarn shall remain nameless). The blue yarn was very rough and I didn't like the "thickness " or bulging part at the instep. I thought perhaps it was because I used a stockinette stitch, but it is probably just my inexperience as a sock knitter and the fact that I was adapting an adult pattern for a child. I'm not finishing the second sock of this pair. My daughter suggested that I wash it and see if the blue part becomes softer. I have found a couple of children's sock patterns that I would like to try in the TLC Wiggles yarn.

Third Pair of Socks

2007-02-25T13:44:00.000-06:00

I found some camouflage yarn by Bernat in their Softtee Chunky and they seemed like a good choice for grandson #1. I "guesstimated" on the number of stitches. I measured them by a drawing of the bottom of his foot. We'll have to see it they will fit -- otherwise there is a younger grandson they will fit.

Second Pair of Socks

2007-02-25T13:41:00.001-06:00

My second pair of socks went together as quickly as the first. I used the Wide Wale pattern again and Encore Colorspun Chunky.

January

2007-02-25T13:16:00.000-06:00

In January I decided I would try to accomplish one of my New Year's resolutions -- to knit socks. I had trouble with the heel and almost gave up. However, after a trip to Yarn Works in Grand Rapids, MN, where the owner encouraged me to just follow the directions even if they didn't make sense to me, and S-h-a-z-a-m -- I did it! This is a pattern called "Wide Wale" using Encore Colorspun Chunky. I like the variegated colors!