Sunday, November 23, 2014

Where Did the Week Go?

It seems impossible that is it Sunday already.  This week has flown by and I didn't do much sewing to reduce my stash.  I did make a binding (red with tiny white stars) for this Quilts of Valor top that was pieced and given to me by Mary C.


Most of the week found me in the quilting studio trying to finish quilts for others to give as Christmas gifts this year. 

My friend Kevin asked me to quilt three quilts that he pieced for his neighbor from shirts of the neighbor's husband who passed away this year.  They are to be given to each of her sons.  I think he did an amazing job of designing and piecing these. The squares are from many different thicknesses, T-shirts, dress shirts and some had very thick commercial embroidered patches to navigate while quilting. The backgrounds, sashings and backings are made with flannels that resemble houndstooth, herringbone and tweeds resembling wools that would be used for men's suits and very appropriate for these memory quilts.





That's about it from me this week.  I'm working on more UFO's and some blocks that have been languishing on my design wall for quite some time.  Maybe next week they will get their turn.

Stash Numbers - Week 47
Fabric Added this week - 0 *
Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yds
Fabric Used this week - 1/2 yard -binding
Fabric Used YTD -  46.88 yds

* I did receive some fabric from a friend, but I'm not sure I will count it. lol

Stop by Judy's at Patchwork Times to see other stash reports for the week.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Stash Report and Some Finishes

This week was a good week for finishing up some projects.  First I got two more pillowcases finished. A cute Micky Mouse fabric and fabric with International Harvester tractors on it.


Also finished the other two blocks for my applique group.  A blue whale and purple bear joined the black kitty. I was not happy with the purple bear.  Trying to make his face and head show up with embroidery was not very successful.  I auditioned white, black and dark purple embroidery threads and went with the purple.  It didn't do the trick; but up close his eyes and nose are more distinguishable.


Pieced a backing for the square in a square quilt from some scraps.  Thanks to those who gave me suggestions for a name.  I'm considering several that were mentioned.  Maybe after it's quilted, one of them will speak to me. 
Backing
Sorry that the colors look washed out on the picture below.  The outer border is closer to the color of blue on the backing.

Stash Numbers
Fabric Added this week - 0
Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yds
Fabric Used this week - 7.11 yds.
Fabric Used YTD - 46.38 yds.
Net busted in 2014 - 6.88

Linking up with Patchwork Times Stash Report. 

Friday, November 7, 2014

On The Needles Friday, Nov. 7, 2014

This week I did cast on for my 2nd sock with the self-striping yarn.  I love watching the colors change. I was a little worried if I could make the two socks match, but surprisingly, it is working out perfectly --so far.lol  Who knows what might happen when I get to the heel flap and heel turn area.  I'm not real good about keeping track of rows and just eyeball the length of each phase.

My good friend Sheron, who is my go to person when I need help on knitting socks, introduced me to Lenora, a good friend of hers.  She is a master knitter and and has a large drawer full of beautifully hand knitted socks plus a plethora of amazing sweaters, jackets, cowls, vests, scarves, hats, you name it and she can knit it.  One is more beautiful than the next.  While we were visiting her recently, she asked me to try on a garment that she had made.  Would you believe that it fit me perfectly and the yarn colors are my favorite colors! To my amazement and delight she asked me if I would like it. I didn't have to think twice, absolutely. I am now the proud and happy owner of one of her handmade vests.  Just look at the pattern it makes when it meets in the front and back (see that cute little curve divet vee in the middle).  I love the way it feels too, so soft and warm. now that it's getting cooler I plan to wear it a lot. Thank you so much Lenora, I LOVE it.  

Front

Back

I'm looking forward to finishing up my socks and getting something new on my needles.  Maybe a hat or pair of mittens before Christmas.  Or maybe I will try another pair of socks from toe up with Magic Loop -- so many choices and so little time.  Drop on over to Judy's OTN and see what everyone else is up to this week.  Stay warm and have a great weekend doing what you love.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

A Finished Top and Stash Report

It's been a few weeks since I posted my stash numbers but now I have something finished, so it is time.

First off, at retreat I worked on this top and now it's a flimsy and ready for a backing.  I need a name for this one.  The fabric line is a mystery to me since it was given to me by a friend, so no help there as to a name.  It's not speaking to tell me what it wants to be called.  Any ideas??


Next up are the 8 pillowcases finished at retreat. Some fabrics were 1.5 yds so there are two of those.
All forms of aviation --hot air balloons to stealth bomber

More plans and biker flames

Pink leopard and tropical fish

Baseball and the 2nd plane one.
These finished projects are helping my numbers, but my stash is still not moving downward. I'm breaking even this year.  Lots of tops are done, but they are awaiting pieced backs.  We'll see if I can break this roller coaster of up and down but no changes in the space on the shelves. lol

Fabric Added  -        12 yards since last reported
Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yds
Fabric Used -           11.05 yds
Fabric Used YTD -   39.27 yds

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times.  

Saturday, November 1, 2014

On the Needles - A Day Late

Oops, I missed Friday and almost lost Saturday too.  I'm a little late for the party, but I did get the first sock finished with the Diversity yarn.  I was concerned that I might run out before the end of the toe, but I actually had quite a bit left over.  Now I'm upset that I didn't make the leg longer.  I do love the way it striped though and it feels so soft on my foot. Now to going on the second one.

I also spent a little time and added a few more inches on the Faux Mobius Cowl.  The weather is getting colder, so I need to get this finished soon. 


I'm linking up with Patchwork Times' OTN party.  If you haven't been there, go see what others are knitting up.