Final project of 2011

 
All my “UFO’s” are complete for this year.  The last was these wonderfully warm (both in fiber and in color) socks that I actually made for myself.   After official inspection by my knitting/quilting kitty, they are ready to wear.  Just in time too.  The weather forecast is finally calling for some cold weather.  We’ve been lucky enough to have had less than wintery weather this year. 

                                                                     

Wishing you all a great year of knitting, quilting and creativity.

Happy 2012

Lottie-Da

Our family is having a mini population explosion.  Baby girl #2 has arrived.  Another blessed grand niece.  Her name is Charlotte Louise and she’s beautiful.  She was born 2 days ago and her quilt was finished and shipped to her today.  I’ve named her quilt Lottie-Da (Lottie for Char”lotte” and Da for the first two letters of her last name).  Here are a few pics.

(click on each pic to see a closer view)

     

            

New “yarn”

I’ve recently gotten hooked on a new kind of yarn.  It’s made out of old t-shirts.  I love anything that is repurposed.  there are several web sites that show how to make the yarn and what to make with it.  I’ve made quite a few hot pads for holiday gifts.    It takes about one t-shirt per hot pad.  They’ve been a big hit.  They work up in an hour or so.   I’ve seen patterns for crochet bowls/baskets.  That’ll be the next project…once I’ve collected enough old t-shirts.  Probably will need at least 3 shirts for a basket with lid.

   

“Baby Girl” quilt #1 Complete (Just in time for new the Grand Niece)

(click on pics for closer view)

Finished just in time to welcome a new baby girl into our family.  Little Miranda Jessica arrived just before Thanksgiving.  What a great gift for her family.  Here’s wishing them all a great holiday and wishing her a wonderful “birth” day.

Lucky for me I chose the perfect colors.  Her nursery is all “baby girl” pink.

Another “Promise Quilt” Completed

This one is called “Heroes”.

I used a preprinted panel that was to be used as a soft book.  I found it on clearance and couldn’t resist.  Turned out as a real fun quilt.  Hope it puts a smile on somebody’s face.  Below are close-ups of a few blocks.

 

Spent the last two days reorganizing the sewing room...needed to be able to work in a more orderly environment.   Now I should be able to work  much more efficiently.  I hate wasting time look for things.  Everything is where it's supposed to be..... as long as the "gremlins" don't come in and move stuff around!!!!

Help

I read this book  last year and thoroughly enjoyed it ( me and a few others!)  The book was so thought provoking and truly created such soul searching that I felt moved to see the movie.  Although  I felt the book was better (usually is), I have to say the movie left me with the exact same feelings.  I wondered if I ever showed such disrespect for anyone.  I hope not, but it has made me more aware of the feelings of others.   The truth in the novel was so compelling, I hope more people feel the need look within themselves, I mean really look, and see if you are worthy.  No one is above the other. 

Are you ready for some football!!

 After being inundated with bad news these last couple of weeks, it’s so good to watch my Patriots, albeit preseason.  It’s so refreshing to see something FUN on tv for a change.  Now I have to choose a knitting project while watching the game that won’t require too much concentration.  Looks like it’ll be the good old standby, the wash cloth.  That’s an easy “auto-pilot” kind of knitting.  Can’t go wrong with that.

GO PATS!

Knitting in the Courtyard

I finally took some pics of our courtyard, as I spent a leisurely Saturday afternoon knitting and listening to the splashing of my little water fountain. 

 

 
 There was just enough of a gentle breeze to listen to the music of the wind chimes too.  It was perfect.  

    I started knitting a slouch hat for our, soon to be, co-ed.  She picked out the yarn ( a very soft and shimmery polyester – easy to wash- that feels remarkably like cashmere!)  I found the pattern on Ravelry ( by Designer Diedre).  It’s called “Leaves on a Lazy Day Tam”.  I love the name.  Check  it on on Ravelry.  Their picture is far better than mine, as the black yarn doesn’t photograph well.

I’ve also been doing quite a bit of quilting.  That’s for my next post.   My sewing room happens to be the coolest room in the house so have been spending some time there on these hot summer days.   We’re trying to be “green” and only turn the AC on when it’s too uncomfortable.  So far we’ve managed nicely.

The graduate!

Here she is….graduating with honors….sooooooo proud of her!!  Next stop, University of Rhode Island as a Theatre major.  Maybe Broadway in four years?  Who knows. 

 

SISTERS

Spring Time

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've contributed to my blog.  This working everyday is really cutting into my fun time.  Although I have been doing some knitting and quiltiing, I feel like I don't have enough time to complete anything other than quick projects.  I keep thinking about getting spring cleaning done and wonder how to find the time.  The daffodils are all in bloom and forsythia is just about ready to burst open.  This means that soon the windows will be open, letting in all that good refreshing air.  The time is near to refresh the house, reorganize the studio, and get the porch ready for outdoor living.  Soon .............

Back to reality

This week was back to work, after 3 months of recovery from surgery.  I must say, it is taking some getting used to.  I truly miss my
knitting time

and quilting time.

I had too easily become accustomed to being in "retirement" mode.  My DH now has the house back to himself as he is already retired.  I say that with tongue in cheek as he has retired from one job and become full time in another....that of constant handyman.  He continues to find so many projects around the house that need "fixin".  I would give anything to have his energy.  All my projects require sitting in one spot.  Soon summer will be here and I'll be off from work again, sitting in one spot or another, 

knitting at the beach,

(yes that's Eleanor, a woman after my own heart!)

quilting on the porch,

 reading in the courtyard,

 ....well you see the pattern here I'm sure. 

How Now Blue Cowl

I love the way this came out.  It was quick and easy.  Finished it in a couple of days while watching TV with DH.  I got the pattern from one of the Langworthy Library Knitters.  I also found it on another blog when I Googled it.   The original pattern’s instruction were to block when complete, but I liked the way the bottom was wavy, so I left it unblocked.  Click on the pic for the link to the original pattern.  The yarn I used was cotton/silk blend and has a wonderful drape and feel.  I plan on making a few for gifts to add to my stash.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day

    

Luckily I finished these on Valentine’s Day.  They made a perfect accessory to wear for a special day.   I couldn’t have matched these better to the flowers from my Valentine  if I tried!

They feel as yummy as they look.  I was going to save them to give as a present to someone, but decided to give them as a present to myself.  It’s been a while since  I gave myself a pair of my own socks.  No wonder everyone loves getting them.  They are a wonderful treat for the feet.

Oodles of Caps

 

The Caps for Good project is complete.  My church knitting group at Blessed Kateri dropped off all our hats to Eneri Knits in Exeter for shipment to the a central collection center.  I did truly enjoy using up all my leftover yarns for such a very special cause. 

 

We’re now working on prayer shawls, lap afghans, monk cloths, etc., for donation to area nursing homes.  I’m thinking of making lap quilts as a way of working down my fabric stash.  They too work up quickly and are another way to jump start my creative juices.  I’m still working on my promise quilt, but it really seems to be going fast.

The best news was I was able to get back to the Langworthy Library Knitting Circle.   I truly missed my friends  their stories and projects.  I feel renewed!!  Of course, now I’ve got more ideas for more knitting projects. 

Another “Promise Quilt” Completed

“Going Places”

This “Promise Quilt” took longer to finish than usual due to holiday projects that needed to be done in time for gift giving, not to mention the limit access I had to my sewing studio while I was in the wheel chair.  As you can see in the next picture, it got the seal of approval by my quilt  “inspector”!

I’ve already got the newest “Promise Quilt” ready to go.  It’ll be called “Spread Your Wings”.  The fabric, once chosen, usually  “speaks” to me and lets me know it’s name.  Hopefully it won’t take as long as this one did.  I’ve got a few others on deck waiting to come to life.  I may have to actually give up some knitting time (OH NO!!!!!) to get these quilting projects done.   So much to do…..so little time.  What will I do when I actually have to go back to work.  I really don’t have time to work.  But, alas, I have to go back in order to make money to support my habit!

Our Budding Pastry Chef

Our beautiful Dear Granddaughter decided to make some scrumptious desserts.  My mouth is watering!!! 

   

Go Pats!!

    

Finally got my special license plates!  They were ordered last year for my birthday (by my dear daughter), and they arrived this year for my birthday.  Just in time for the playoffs.  Great timing.   The delay in receiving the plates was due to the number that had to be pre-ordered before they would start making them.  They needed to have 1,000 orders.  Last year, when the Pats had a less than stellar year, orders weren’t coming in very well…..but this year, with the tremendous way they’ve been winning, everyone wants to be a fan.  As I said before, my plates were ordered last year…..which goes to show you that I love my Patriots no matter what and am proud to say it as well as display it on my car. 

Snow Day !

The weatherman was right about this one.  We sure did get a lot of snow…well over a foot.  Closer to 16”.  While my DH and his assistant are pushing the mounds of snow around, creating huge snow banks along the walkway and driveway, I remain in the house, not much use to them at all.  However, it is the perfect atmosphere for knitting.  I’m currently still in “baby hat” mode.  It’s a great way to clean out all the orphan half skeins I keep finding in my stash.

They stitch up so quick.  I can usually make a couple a day.  

Cast Off

Well, the cast is finally off and I'm in a "boot".  Still in the wheelchair, but therapy should begin next week, so I'll be introduced to crutches.  I can't wait to be more mobile.  The only good thing about this long recuperation has been all the knitting I've been getting done.  Here are a few of the finished projects.

This  neckwarmer was made with some sock yarn I received for Christmas.  There was only one skein of only 192 yards, so there wasn't enough to make a pair of socks.  So this was what I came up with.  I made my own pattern as I went along.  Looks great as a headband or earwarmer as well.  Maybe it looks so good because of my model (my dear granddaughter).

Neckwarmer pattern:

Materials needed:

Size 6/ 16 in. circular needles

One skein sock yarn (I used Plymouth Yarn's Happy Feet 192 yds.)

Cast on 108 stitches

Row 1:  K2, P2 ribbing

Row 2 & 3:  Repeat row 1

Row 4: Knit

Continue row 4 until piece measures 7 inches

Last three rows: repeat rows 1-3.

Bind Off

I crocheted two rows of scalloping on both ends just to give it a little character. 

The endless scarf below was a real quick project.  My fellow knitting buddy, Kim, told me about this pattern she found on Knit Picks.  She was knitting it one day when she came over for a knitting visit.
I used some very inexpensive yarn sold at a local Job Lot and it really came out better than I expected.  I used the whole skein (7 oz.).   I also used a different size needle than the pattern called for, at Kim's suggestion.  She used size 13, so I did too.  The results were perfect.  I like the shorter look better than the longer one. 

                          

Click here for the link to the pattern.

The last project I wanted to mention was Baby Hats.  Another knitting buddy of mine, Selma, recently forwarded me an e-mail about a local knit shop owner who was participating in program called "Caps for Good Campaign".  For some reason this project really struck  me.  I've been knitting baby hats for local hospitals for some time, as have several other knitters in the area.  However, the need for caps for the baby's in these developing countries seems urgently needed.   As a result, I am focusing on making hats for this cause at the moment.   In case you're interested, click here for more info.