Finished & In Progress Stuff...

Wow - as usual I've gotten behind on posting here. The holiday always seem to get the best of me and we had a crazy one that I'd rather forget about.

In good news, I have been making a ton of knitting and quilting progress lately. I did a large number of hats, cowls and fingerless mitts for Christmas gifts which was fun.

One Christmas gift that I didn't finish was A's Hippo from Knitted Toys by Susan Anderson (fabulous book) with our not so fun holiday. Oh well -- I'll give it to her for another once it's done. It has a body, but needs arms, legs and ears...


I finished my Trellis & Vine Pullover and am really pleased with how it came out. It fits extremely well. This is a slightly lopsided picture of it drying. I'll have to see if C can take a picture of me in it soon -


I'm almost done with a Pinwheel Sweater for A -- just needs the last sleeve completed and the ends woven in. I'm still debating what I'm going to start next...


Quilting wise ... I've finished 1 diaper bag (I seem to have forgotten to photo this one before it was gifted -- shoot I really liked it since I created it myself from about 9 different patterns), 1 boy baby quilt (Robot Top below), 2 girl baby tops (need to be quilted) and 1 large lap size for our front room (70x90 - I'll send this one out to be quilted)... lots of babies coming can you tell??

I've been writing posts in my head for awhile (until I decided it might be considered strange to talk to myself, hear voices - does that qualify for mentally unstable, hmmm)... But just haven't had time to write up an update.

It's been a busy month... full household sickness, starting a new Master's program in Project Management, meet-ups with friends, swap packages, family visits, and last but not least the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (AKA Rhinebeck).

Rhinebeck was a blast - I went with two work friends who are fairly new knitters. It was my second time attending and I enjoyed it much more as we drove ourselves (rather than a bus) and spent the night. It was fun to go with newbies who were totally awed at the sheer number of people, fun stuff to touch (and you didn't get yelled at - encouraged actually), and the wonderful viewing of knitwear. It was funny - no one thinks twice if you are staring, pointing or talking about them (i.e. knitwear). It's almost a compliment instead of an insult - out in the "real" world. I bought a few things that I really wanted or am giving as a gift:



I couldn't resist a few skeins of Socks That Rock from The Fold even though I have more STR and/or sock yarn that I know what to do with. The mill ends were really reasonable and some may be gifted. I bought two rare gems that I just love (4th and 5th from the left). The other 4 main skeins from the back are from Briar Rose. I regretted not buying anything from them the last time I attended - as I love the fiber content, size, price and color. Anne Hanson shows their yarn on her Knitspot blog all the time and I've been interested in trying some out. I have a hank of bulky Robusta that I'm splitting with a friend for a hat/fingerless mitts set, a skein (750 yds!) of Abundance for a pattern out of the Fall Interweave Knits - they had a sample that was gorgeous, and a skein of penny lane (silk) for a cowl or 2.

We had pics that we took of the festival but they are on someone else's camera so I need to get a copy. Cool both days and slightly rainy on Sunday, but I love looking at all the vendors and the farm animals. I'd love to get a few goats - they are so friendly or a bunny - very soft and lovable. Maybe someday - we definitely have the room these days. Plus the Food! I got to try a chicken pot pie on Sunday (much shorter lines) and it was fabulous! We've already decided that we definitely want to return next year. Anyone wants to go holler and we'll start planning. we'll have to book our hotel by February before they're all gone again. Kingston area was sold out by the 1st week of March this year.

I also got a great swap package in the mail last night. I joined the Ravelry group Odd Duck swaps and it's lots of fun. They host a few swaps each month that have "odd" themes... such as Wizard of OZ, Favorite Color, Favorite Season, Crime Shows and Mystery Books, etc. You can sign up for as many or few as you wish. It's fun to put together thematic packages for your swappee and include their likes/dislikes. You have to include something handmade in each one and I enjoy seeing everyone's creativity and craftiness. I signed up for the Favorite Season (mine is Fall)- and look what I got!



There's yarn (3! skeins including some Malabrigo Sock - fabulous colors), lots of little knitting and non chatzkies, and a cowl pattern (perfect timing- I'm making a few for holiday gifts). I just love packages in the mail and am enjoying shopping creatively for them.

Have a Happy & Spooky Halloween. We are going to enjoy a quiet family night at home carving Jack-O-Lanterns~

***Blue Moon Sock Club SPOILER ALERT***

We've had a busy but fun weekend with 9 month baby photos (what a ham), a neighborhood birthday party, house chores (well this wasn't fun but necessary), sewing, knitting and sock club mail!

I did a bit of sewing today while the baby napped. The baby's finally getting on a great nap 2 per day nap schedule (and still sleeping through the night). My husband is at the Bills game. Go Bills!! - wow a fake field goal - where did this team come from! -

Sorry distracted by the game there for a minute.... Back to sewing progress.

I made a couple of sock or small project bags. I tried out a new pattern - that I think I like. Thoughts? It's a straight forward design, but it feels like it's a good one.


It's just big enough for a small project with all the accompaniments. It has a short handle that you tuck a longer one through to create a natural closure.

I also made a little dress for Anna. [Just imagine there is a little girl in there - not paper towels]


It's the first time I've attempted any sort of garment - so I picked a pretty easy/straight forward pattern from Indygo Junction. I think it came out pretty well. I'm hoping it will look cute with a long/short sleeve onesie underneath and leggings. It has an adjustable bow tie at the shoulder so it should fit for awhile. The pattern says it's a size 2, however, it seems small/short for that size. Though that's OK since she's in 9mos now - so it's a bit big now, but gathers enough so that it is wearable (and should last longer).

I finally washed and blocked my February Lady Sweater. I've warn it a few times, but hadn't had a chance to wash it yet. Wow - the hand wash/wool cycle on our LG Washing Machine is awesome!! I braved it with the sweater and it did a beautiful job. The sweater is made from BMFA Twisted - which is so soft and blooms wonderfully once washed. It's laying out in the foyer drying...


A fun yarny goodness shot for you... My September Blue Moon Sock Club package arrived on Saturday.

The photo does not do the yarn justice. It is one of my favorite colorways yet this year. I need to get knitting on my socks. Works been so busy - I haven't been able to squeeze in much lunch time knitting (in the evenings - I've been plugging away at my Trellis & Vine pullover- making good progress - I'm almost done with the body).

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Go Football Season! I love Sundays.

Bag-a-licious

You may recall months ago that I won the pockets galore demo/sample bag from D Whynn Designs on her blog. I loved it so much that I purchased the pattern to make another. I finally found the fabric I wanted over Labor Day weekend while visiting my folks.

Sample on Left - My version on Right


I followed the pattern mostly as written. Modifications: Slightly heavier weight fusible lining (I'm very fond of Pellon 987 fusible fleece - gives structure but has a lot of flexibility), I added a key hook to the inside, and I did the handles a bit more narrow using my normal strap construction (I hate having to turn handles inside out - I suck at it. So I make my fusible about 1/2" narrower than the strap -fold over each edge to the center (about 1/4") on each side and iron to the fusible - then fold the strap in 1/2 and edge stitch both sides. easy peasy).

I LOVE the pleated pocket - very functional (I use this purse everyday and it holds everything in a very organized fashion. I'm definitely going to incorporate the pleated pocket in other bags.


I'm hoping to do some more work on my Vine pullover and some socks today during football.


We're ready for football season. Are you?

Quilt-a-ploosa

I have made incredible quilty progress this weekend. I'm thrilled. My husband was away Friday and Saturday, the baby is a bit sick, but I still managed to complete a great deal of craftiness (house is a mess, but you can't have it all). It makes me happy to realize I can make time for the things I love to do - not everything, but enough to make me happy.

Friday - I made and sewed binding to 4 quilt projects (wall hangings to lap quilts).
(binding done on this one)

Saturday/Sunday morning: I completed the binding on 1.5 quilts and started a baby quilt for a friend. I'm thrilled with the baby quilt - it's leftover blocks from another made into a totally different quilt with accent fabric left from one of A's baby quilts. I stitched in the ditch on my sewing machine. It went really well - though I definitely couldn't do anything larger than this. I'm not a fan of machine quilting - it frustrates me more than I find pleasure in it - straight stitching is OK though. I've been sending most of my quilts to a professional - it's faster and nicer looking on the larger ones. I do think the baby quilt turned out well and is perfect for the recipient (they love pink).



I learned a neat technique at the quilt festival, where you can easily get half-square triangles as an "extra". Typically, when creating squares that have triangles in the corner - you sew a smaller square (across the diagonal) to the larger (right sides together) and cut away the excess (then throw excess away). The teacher suggested sewing an additional line 1/2" to the right of your diagonal - which gives you your block, plus additional extra blocks that you can arrange as pinwheels (like my baby quilt) or as diamonds, rows of triangles for a border, etc. I couldn't figure out how to post a drawing - so I tried to give a general idea with the quilt itself:


Dad came to visit last week and brought 2 of my quilts back from the machine quilter. They are for 2 of my nephews for Christmas - love them:


This one was sewn with Lizards...


And this one with Monkeys...


So cute!

A few last crafty items for your viewing pleasure.... (yes, I'm a dork)

Handbag:


Start of the Trellis and Vine Pullover from the Fall issue of Interweave:


Some sweater yarn from the Village Yarn and Loopy Ewe anniversary sales:
6 skeins of DIC Classy and Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran

Progress

I really am terrible about posting regularly, but I'm trying to find a life/work/home balance - which as many of you can imagine is challenging at times.

Though -I have been doing a bit of sewing and knitting, which makes me happy. We've spent the last few weeks adding some organizational fixtures to my sewing room. Primarily two big peg boards to hang my rules, scissors, thread, etc. and felt for a design wall. I love it all! It makes it so much easier to spend 1/2 hr or so sewing and not have to spend time hunting down everything.

As a result of the reorganized sewing room and a recent trip to the Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, PA - I've been doing a bit of sewing.

Binding for two quilts that recently returned from the machine quilter:




Crayon/Doodle Bag(s):
Free online pattern (http://www.edonyourown.com/crafts/ColoringBookCrayonTote.pdf). It's pretty easy and quick to do. I made a few modifications (used lightweight fusible interface to help give more structure, 1/8" seam on both sides of handles, attached handles in my normal fashion - nothing major). I found the perfect fabric grouping at Joann's - it's all crayon/coloring related. They were a perfect inexpensive alternative to my regular quilt fabric. Here is a picture of one:



I've finished a few others as well. They are pretty cute and will make good b-day and x-mas gifts for my nephews and friends.

I've been working on the three classes that I took at the Quilt Odyssey. Fabulous!! Highly recommend it to anyone who likes to quilt regardless of your skill level. It's fun and you can always learn. Mom and I went from Wed to Sun and had a wonderful time together.

This quilt I've almost finished (it's about lap size) - I just need to add two more borders:

The layout make it look like circles, but it's really just snowball blocks set around a 4 patch star. Pretty neat. The start was a bit of a pain (paper-piecing - not my favorite), but well worth the effort.

The other two classes are in progress. I have a preliminary photo of one:

It looks much more complicated than it is. My favorite method... The teacher is coming out to teach a class locally next spring and I plan to try and sign-up if the date works. She's going to do a class on using her method to do a pineapple block (it has no triangles or set-in seams).

Knitting -
I've been doing a few small projects...

Dotty Hat from Itty Bitty Hats


I fully lined the hat with no-pill fleece and it is really soft. I also made fleece lined mittens to match:


Olive You from Itty Bitty Hats (ravelry link)
Anna was kind enough to model the hat (it's a gift - but I might just need to make her one), though I probably should have put on a clean bib. LOL


I also started a sweater, but there's not much to look at yet. Hopefully, it won't take me so long to post pics of it. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Knitty Progress

Well I haven't gotten much better about posting regularly. I'm still trying to find that balance between work, family, hobbies, friends, etc. I have been doing a bit of knitting and taking a sock class.

My February Lady Sweater has made some good progress. I've completed the body and am 3/4 of the way through the first sleeve. I love working with the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted yarn - the color is fabulous (Korppi) and it works up wonderfully.



I've also been working on a number of socks - though progress has been minimal since I haven't had much time to work on them during lunch at work.

Sock #1 - plain jane sock - It's a basic broken rib pattern with Wendy Knits' Temptation Top-Down sock pattern. It's a neat heel pattern to eliminate the need to pick-up stitches for the gusset.


Sock #2 - Sky Sock - Cat Bordhi New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I enrolled in two New Pathways sock classes at one of my LYS - one top-down and one toe-up. It's really helped me to get a better understanding of the book and the concepts. I'm in the process of finishing up the heel.


Sock #3 - Riverbed - Rushing Rivulet Socks - Cat Bordhi New Pathways for Sock Knitters. Toe-up -- only the toe is done - I need to make some headway on the rest before next week's class.