Knit One Quilt Too

Blue Bento Box- Done and Gone

I finished the Blue Bento Box quilt on Tuesday and mailed it off Wednesday.  I like the way this one came out, thought it's not nearly as sparkly as Kathy's.  There is something different about the quilt that you might notice if you look carefully. 

See that circle?  It was a necessity as I got a little carried away with my scissors while trimming thread ends.  I decided to just applique right over the little cut.  I think it looks kind of cool and people will wonder why there's just one of them.  I thought about adding more to make it look like I planned it that way, but I just didn't have time.  This is for my nephew, Kasey, who graduated from high school (also my hubby's and my old stomping grounds) with honors, scholarships and as a member of the state's first place gymnastics team.  We are so proud of him!  I hope he likes this quilt.  I do recall giving him a crocheted blanket as a baby gift, but he's never had a quilt from me before.

I'm also working on the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show block contest, but I don't think I'll reveal that until the deadline to deliver them is passed.  Meanwhile, even though the crochet blanket looks that same as it did last time I showed it, I still think a freshly groomed Scrabble warrants a photo.  Have a great weekend!

Sew Storm

I've been sewing up a storm here.  The pink string quilt is making good progress.  It still only has two borders, but maybe I'll get the other two on soon.  I'm hampered in finishing this one because I need batting, backing and binding for this community quilt.  Today was my guild's community quilt day and I had planned to get down there and pick up the necessary supplies.  Unfortunately, I came down with a nasty cough and fever and I didn't want to infect all the ladies.  So, it may be a month or two before this one is finished.  Here's a close-up.  I like how the red sets off the pink and purple.

This is the Charlotte's Web block that I was working on for my guild.  The guild was asked by our local hospice center to make a children's quilt.  I am part of the committee and decided to do a truck block for Ryan and this one for Chloe.  I forgot to get a photo of the truck block, but I'll get one eventually.  It's going to be a great quilt filled with the sorts of stuff that kids like.  When it's finished it will hang in the hospice center's meeting room.

I finally made some progress on Better Not Pout!  Yesterday I embroidered the lines on Ryan's drawing of Santa.  I really like how this came out.  I decided to embroider through the two layers of fabric and I like how it stayed flat, with no bunching from the embroidery.

I'm trying to decide what to do next with this.  Do you think it would be good with a plain border or a pieced border?  I really think it needs something, just not sure what. 

You can put this next one into the "Kathy made me do it" category.  Last week I was enjoying her blog and saw her adorable Sugar and Spice quilt.  I had seen the Bento Box pattern before, but hadn't given it a whole lot of thought until I saw it there.  In addition to that I've been thinking about making a quilt for my oldest nephew who is about to graduate from high school.  This pattern seems tailor made for him and I had a stash of blues I've been wanting to use up.  By necessity this quilt won't be as charming as Kathy's because of the more subdued colors, but this block couldn't be simpler to put together and works great with fat quarters.  I don't have the Bento Box pattern, just figured it out from looking at the photos online.  It seems a little strange to work on something so precise after all the free piecing I've been doing lately.

I discovered that it takes me about a half hour to put together a four block set and that means there's a real sense of accomplishment even if I can only get into the studio for a short time.  I'm well on my way to having enough for a quilt top.  And, I'm finally using up the blues that I hardly ever go to.  I'm not sure why that is, I wear blue all the time.

I'm showing this photo just because it seems like a tradition now to pose Scrabble on the ripple blanket whenever he gets groomed.  Here's the handsome boy and the blanket looks pretty good too.  I want to make it longer, but it had gotten down to having only autumn colors in the basket.  I bought a few brights to lighten it up and I'm still working on it sporadically.  I do get it out often to snuggle under even though it's not finished.  Is that weird?

Today was my last day of radiation!  What a relief to have all the hard stuff over.  Actually, radiation wasn't bad at all.  I came to see it as a quiet spot in the day.  I'd go and sit and knit while waiting, then close my eyes and relax for a few minutes during treatment.  The skin reaction isn't too bad either.  Tomorrow, I start taking an aromatase inhibitor which is a long term medication.  My hair is growing out now.  Sometimes I wear a baseball cap and my friends have seen me without a hat.  I'm not quite ready to go completely hatless in public, but I'm getting there.  Life goes on and if I didn't have this darn cold we'd be out celebrating tonight.  Hopefully we'll get a chance to do it this weekend.

Rippling Along

The crochet ripple blanket continues to grow.  I've added 18 more stripes since the last photo.  Okay, I did have to ask Scrabble to pose for this photo, but I think it's tradition now, don't you? 

By the way, he did get groomed today so he was picture perfect.  I spent one whole evening this week weaving in the ends of all the stripes I've done so far.  I can't believe how long that takes!

My basket of yarn is dwindling though and that's a very good sign.  Dare I say this blanket may be done before the winter is out? 

I just have to show you this.  It's not a sea urchin in my teapot.  It's Jasmine Globe green tea from Harney Tea.  It's so cool looking and the fragrance is heavenly!  This is my afternoon pick-me-up lately.

I haven't given up on the liberated blocks.  In fact, today I made good progress on putting together the "Night at the Improv" top.  I also got out some crumb/string blocks I had made last year and made a few more to round it out at 25.  I need to get some red for the sashing because, even with a nice basket of reds, none of them are quite right.  I also think I'm going to use a yard of cheddar for the setting or sashing on the blocks with the red and brown tones.  It's getting fun now that I'm figuring out how to use some of these blocks! 

A Handmade Christmas- Part 1

Secret Christmas knitting continues here, but I thought I'd show you some of my favorite handmade ornaments in the meantime.  While our tree is not exclusively decorated in handmade ornaments, the ones made by hand by loved ones as well as skilled artisans are some of my favorites.  Enjoy!

Cross stitched Santa on perforated paper, made by me.  I've made a bunch of these and hope to show you more.  The felt mitten was made by my mom.

This hand blown glass ornament was made by the artisans at Holy City Art Glass in Los Gatos, CA.  We lived in Los Gatos for many years and a holiday trip to watch the glass blowers was a highlight.  You can read about Holy City's fascinating history here.

I made this candlewick ornament when I was in college, many moons ago.

My mom made each of the kids one of these knitted gingerbread ornaments when they were little. 

My mom has made many crocheted angels over the years, but these colorful ones are my favorites.  There are also smaller ones.  Maybe I'll get a photo of one of them too.

Why do you craft?

1. When did you start to create and make crafts? 

It seems I've been crafting all my life.  My mom was always making things and she took a job as a craft consultant at LeeWards when I was old enough to take care of my siblings in the afternoon.  She was always bringing home new crafts to try and I thought she could do anything!  We tried all manner of needle crafts- cross stitch, crewel embroidery, needlepoint, candlewicking as well as things like wood burning and tole painting.  We always had homemade gifts for birthday and Christmas, which is a tradition we continue to follow.

Through the years all of us kids ended up working at LeeWards at one time or another.  It was during that period that I gathered my rather impressive collection of DMC embroidery thread.  I ended up going into the sciences in college, but always had some kind of crafty project going on in my free time.  I learned to knit and crochet as a kid and would make baby gifts such as crochet blankets.  I didn't take up quilting until I was in my mid twenties.  I was the one who got my mom and sister into quilting.  I started with a quilting class just before becoming pregnant with my first child.  When I found out I was pregnant I abandoned that first quilt (finally finished it 10 years later!) and started a baby quilt.  Ever since then I've felt that any baby I know ought to have a baby quilt.

2. Why did you start creating? 

I don't know how to answer that.  It was in my blood I guess!

3. Why do you create? 

Now I do it because I'm interested in how crafts are done or I love the finished product.  With quilting I just loved the whole look and idea of quilts and really wanted to have some.  There are so many new things to learn about.  I like the challenge of trying something new.  I also can't seem to sit around with my hands free.  I've noticed that my reading has really taken a back seat in the past few years.  Rather than take a book somewhere like I used to, I'll have my knitting.  I also want to be sure the love of handmade is passed down to my kids and to other kids I know.  I think I'm doing a pretty good job with that!  The very reason I decided Chloe should be homeschooled was when she was two and was already so creative.  I knew I couldn't send her to school to have that creativity crushed.

4. What do you create? 

I make quilts and knit sweaters, socks, scarves, mittens, hats and felted things.  I got into the paper arts last year in a big way and have been makings Artist Trading Cards, greeting cards, handmade books and other paper crafts.  I like to sew bags and will try patterns for certain things.  I really don't like to make clothes, so will only do it when absolutely necessary (and usually grumble the whole time).  I love quilts simply for the fact that they will always fit!  I have found lately that with quilting I love to make scrappy things (the more fabrics the better) and I like to make up my own patterns.  I'll still whip out something with a traditional pattern if I need it quick, but I love to make something totally unique.  I guess that's why I love applique so much. 

5. Has this changed since you began crafting? 

I made a lot of needle work pictures in my youth- the kits you buy at a craft shop.  I don't care for those anymore, though I do still have one in progress that I'll probably never finish.

In the mid 80s I went to UC Davis for my Master's degree in science.  I was terribly busy with all that, but found out there was an craft center on campus where anyone could take classes.  This turned out to be a very important outlet for me.  In fact, some of my best memories of that time came from those evening classes.  My husband also took classes there in woodworking.  I took black and white photography, silver jewelry making and wheel thrown pottery.  We made all our Christmas gifts that way and my family members still have those things!  In fact, my favorite mug is one I made way back when. 

Now, I don't do any of those crafts any more, but I very much appreciate them and love to go to craft galleries and museums to immerse myself in those arts and crafts.  I have developed a love of color and folk art style, so my fabric choices have changed dramatically over the years. 

6. What are your crafting goals for the future?

For a couple of years now I've been wanting to learn to spin, both by spindle and by wheel.  I also want to become a more intuitive knitter.  With knitting I feel like a slave to the pattern for more complicated items.  I'm planning a sweater now using the percentage system and made without seams (I really, really hate sewing up!).  I would like to use more of Elizabeth Zimmermann's ideas so will be studying her books.  I've tried weaving and think it's pretty cool, but not something I want to get into now.  I am making an attempt to take better photos of my work.  I have an Etsy shop, but haven't ever posted anything for sale.  I hope that next year I'll have the time to do so.  I would love to someday have a style that is recognizable. 

Getting there!

Yesterday I made good progress on My Bootiful Booquet.  I have found that hand quilting with numb fingertips is different and a little uncomfortable, but it's possible.  I am hoping to finish the quilt tomorrow, but in the meantime, here's a little preview. 

I also added a green stripe to the ripple blanket.  I just had to take a photo of this basket.  I have two of these now and just love them.  They are made by a basket maker in OR who comes to the craft faires in Sisters.  I have plans on buying an even bigger one the next time I see her!

I also finished one sleeve and got a little bit farther on the other sleeve of Rogue during the baseball game last night.  Last night's game was a little more nerve wracking than the others, but it was a nice finish and we enjoyed it.  Chloe and Ryan learned a lot about baseball over the past couple of weeks (actually, I did too!).  Yay for the Red Sox.

Chloe and I made these candles today.   We're all ready for her Halloween night sleepover.  I hope your Halloween is fantastic where ever you are!

Busy, busy, busy

Now that I've got my mojo back, I'm going crazy trying to finish things up (okay, I might have started something too!).  Let's see, what to show first.  I guess I'll start with the socks, since it's Socktoberfest.  I'm working on two pairs simultaneously.  These are socks that have languished for several months.  First up, are the Mystic Sea socks started at Camp Cockamamie on Orcas Island, WA.  These are knit with Socks that Rock, colorway Lunasea. I just love this yarn and the pattern is really great too.

Secondly, I just picked up again this pair from Cat Bordhi's Knitting Retreat in Newport, OR in April.  This is one of the socks that may be found in her new book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book 1.  This pattern is called the Coreolis. I have made mine to just bring the coreolis pattern up to the start of the heel.  In the book there are directions for making it spiral all the way up the sock.  This is such a cool pattern!  The yarn is also Socks that Rock, colorway- Blue Brick Wall.  This is one of my favorite STR colorways ever.  There are little tiny bits of purple that snuck in.  When I asked Tina about this she said the purple is from the dye behaving badly and some people don't like it.  I happen to think it's marvelous!

I also got some yellow yarn for my crochet blanket today and did another stripe.  For some reason Scrabble likes to show up when I take a photo of this blanket.  Do you think he's trying to tell me something?

Quilting continues along on My Bootiful Booquet.  Right now I'm just outlining the applique, but I plan to quilt a spider web into the purple background.  I'm still trying to decide what color and type of thread to use for that.  Any thoughts?

Now, here's the new thing I started.  I love the Soft Trees that were all the rage last Christmas when Stephanie put her pattern on her blog, Little Birds.  I've been planning to make some ever since.  Chloe is making some too and it's been fun to plan how to decorate each one.

Lastly, just because it's Halloween season after all, take a look at this and say awwwww!

Coming along

My crochet ripple blanket is coming along nicely as you can see, even though there was a long dry spell with this one.  When I do pick it up, I seem to be able to do do several stripes at once.

Scrabble was nice enough to pose after his latest grooming session.

There is no rhyme or reason to the color scheme.  I just pick up a color that seems right for the moment.

It's a bit dizzying, isn't it?

And the winner is...

Ex Goat Milker, Dani!  Congratulations!  It pays to de-lurk.  Dani says she's been a lurker for a year- wow!  I'm glad you finally made yourself known.  I took a look at Dani's blog and she's got some really cute crochet going there.  I especially love sweet Wonky Bear. 

Dani, I'm not sure how to email you on your site, so when you see this post please email me with your preference for a prize and your mailing address.  It looks like you might prefer yarn, if so please let me know if you have an particular fiber content that you like best. 

Thanks to everyone who participated and sent so many good wishes.  It really means a lot to me.  I have really enjoyed sharing my work and it's been great that so many of you share yours as well.  Blogland is a wonderful place!

2

It's been two years since I started this blog!  I've really enjoyed it and have had such a good time "meeting" many of you in the comments.  Even while I'm on my trip I want to thank you for checking in from time to time.  So, I'm having a little blog contest.  Please leave a comment on this post and I will compile them all and choose a random winner to receive a prize.  The cool thing is that I will tailor it to your passions. If you're a quilter, it'll be a fabric goody.  If you're a knitter or crocheter, it'll be a fibery prize.  I'll notify the winner by email and then you can tell me what you prefer.  Doesn't matter where you live either!  So, join on in and let me hear from you!  You have until August 7th at 5 pm.