Another UFO Bites the Dust

I'm rolling along this month knocking out another of those dusty UFOs that have been mellowing over the years.  This one goes back a long, L-O--N--G time ago.  Way back in 2000 I was making blocks for our BOM drawings.  I won 7 blocks of these Tilted Stars in a half log cabin setting.  At that time I was not involved with QOV, so these 7 blocks sat in a box with many other unfinished things for a few years. Finally I decided to make more blocks so I would have enough to make a decent sized quilt.

Fast forward maybe 10 years, when I ran across them again and then finished piecing the middle section, but had no idea what I wanted for a border.  So they lay another few years hidden under stacks of UFOs and other things.  As I became more involved with QoV,  it crossed my mind this would make a good quilt to donate to a veteran, so I finished the top, added half log cabin borders to mimic the block setting and pieced a backing.   Now like a good wine or cheese, mellowing improves the final product, right?  Well I left this to mellow on a hanger near my quilting machine for a few more years (you see I was trying to decide how I was going to custom quilt it).  Then out of the blue, our first quilting day of this year was cancelled because of weather, but we all wanted to get together and quilt.  So I invited a bunch of ladies over and pulled this off the hanger to put in a quilting frame and now it is totally finished with hand quilting instead of me having to decide how to custom quilt it. I love it when things work out so well, even if it took 16 years.  I sure hope there are not too many more quilts "mellowing" this long in the closet or on the shelves.

Tilted Patriotic Stars - 67" x 78"

Backing to Tilted Stars

On the knitting front, a little more progress was made on my socks.  A few more rows and it will be heel flap time.

And, I pulled out this diagonal cowl again and did a few rows to be sure I don't forget how to do the pattern.

You know as we get older, they say our short term memories are not as sharp.  This may be a reason not to have more than one project on a needle at a time.  My next goal for knitting.  I do not want to have as many UFOs in yarn as I do in quilting things.,

Linking up with Patchwork Times, Whoop, Whoop Friday at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Finish It Up Friday,

On The Needles

Not much has been happening on my needles for quite some time.  Way back on March 10th I showed this sock which was started using a long circular needle and trying to learn the Magic Loop method.  Well, that did not go so well.  After dropping stitches, forgetting which way I was going (after putting it down for a week or two), and having to rip back at least 3 times, I said enough was enough.

First attempt with Magic Loop

So I started over from the beginning earlier this week on my trusty dpns, and this is where I am today. Just about the same place as a month ago. Not much progress on these needles either, but I've only had a few minutes here and there to do any knitting,

Back to my dependable 5 dpns

Sorry about the bad picture,  

On a happier note though, I received these beautiful socks from Michelle of Michelle's Romantic Tangle. She heard I loved purple and I so admired these fabulous beauties when she posted them (she called them 'ugly' can you imagine)!.  They fit perfectly and feel so soft and wonderful on my feet and you should see the fancy pattern she used on them.  Michelle took much better pictures when she posted them about the particulars of yarn and pattern HERE.

Thank you SO MUCH Michelle!  I love them!  They go with several of my sweaters and are getting good use.  Everyone compliments me when I wear them too.  They of course think I knitted them myself,   Then when they see the fancy cable section, they know I didn't. lol

Linking up with OTN at Patchwork Times.

On the Needles

I started another pair of socks and this time I'm learning to use a bamboo 9" circular for socks.  It is a 2.25mm and seems smaller than the same size as my dpns I normally use. Has anyone else used this circular 9" needle and if so, how did you like it?  I'm not sure my hand will be able to last knitting two socks using it.  My left hand starts to feel a little crampy after 3 or 4 rounds.  Maybe my hands are too large for holding something this small.  I do like how you don't have to worry about the needles falling out (as with dpns), but it is still to early to make a decision yet.

This yarn is a Premier yarn by Deborah Norville.  It is 50 % superwash Merino, 25% bamboo and 25% nylon.  The label color is Purple Spice.

Take a look at more knitting projects over on Judy's Patchwork Times.

Off The Needles - Feb. 10, 2017

Finally, my second pair of Scrappy Frankensocks are finished.  And, these really are a strange pair,but I love them. No need to worry what to wear them with because they will go with anything and everything!

You will notice that I did repeat one yarn in each sock.  That way, I'll know which ones I knitted as a pair.  The top of one and the toe of the other is the same little leftover ball of yarn.  Do you think anyone other than me will notice that? lol  I made the leg portions a bit longer so they will go farther up my legs when the weather is unusually cold.

I am going to peruse my patterns to see what is next to put on my needles.  I don't want to leave them bare for too long.

I'm linking up with Judy over at Patchwork Times where you can see more knitted goodies.

Sunday Catch Up Post

Here it is the end of January already!  It seems as if Christmas was just a couple weeks ago.  It is true what they say about the older you get the faster the days fly by!!

I'm going to catch up for the whole week -- first my progress on my sock knitting.  Still not finished with the second scrappy Frankensock, but a little more progress since last time I posted.

I've started the foot and hopefully I will finish it before the end of January.

I've also been busy getting some of the blocks put together into tops from the QOV Eastern Missouri Block Drive.  A few are still trickling in to add to the 800+  I had received by the end of December.  I arranged a sew day with three friends and we made a good start on the stack of blocks.  Thanks to these ladies, I think we are approaching the half way mark.

Here are three finished tops with borders.  More tops are made, but I am still searching my stash for border fabrics to add to each top to make them the appropriate size. They will finish approximately 60" x 80".

I'm determined to use more stash in 2017 and what better way than providing borders, bindings and pillowcases for all of these quilts from my stash as they are finished.!

Pieced by Coleen 

Pieced by Dar

Pieced by Dar

The shelves don't look any less crowded, but I know there has been some fabric usage.  I will post more finished tops after the borders are added.  

Stash Report

Fabric Added this week - 1 FQ (gifted from guild President)

Fabric Used this week -  13.5 yards - a backing and borders  cut for 6 QOV tops

YTD Added - 1 fat quarter

YTD Used - 19.25

Linking up with Judy's Patchwork Times. 

On The Needles and A Friday Finish

This is what is on my knitting needles this week. I'm still working on this 2nd pair of Scrappy Socks.

 Scrappy Frankensocks #2

Maybe now that the holiday hustle and bustle are behind me, I will get more knitting done this year and maybe a little quicker.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to work harder on my long UFO list.  I did manage to finish 5 quilts on my UFO last year; but that is just a drop in the bucket to the 75 UFOs on this list.  I hope to greatly improve on that number this year.  To that end, here is my first finished UFO for 2017.

Quilts of Valor - No. 1

This quilt was started last year when I launched the Block Drive for QOV Eastern MO.  I made three separate tops to test the block and several layouts.  I quilted this one with an overall design called Dancing Stars.  One down and many to go.

To see other knitting projects, check in with Judy at Patchwork Times HERE.

Last On The Needles for 2016

Today is the last OTN for this year and I haven't made much progress on my pair of socks that I wanted to finish before year end.  I did get the 2nd sock started, and hope to finish it early in 2017.

As I was taking stock of what yarns I have and what I plan to knit in 2017, I uncovered several unfinished projects that were started long ago.  The one that I first want to finish is at the bottom of the picture,   It's a cowl called "That Nice Stitch" and is knitted on the diagonal. It was rolled up in my knitting bag so long, it has some folds that hopefully will come out when it's blocked. I may have to relearn the stitch pattern too. :)

Knitting in 2016 was a good year for making socks.  In 2017, maybe I will try some new items like mittens, hats, possibly a sweater if I'm brave.  There will always be socks on the needles too.  I'm addicted to them.! Looking forward to more knitting and learning new patterns in 2017 and seeing what everyone else is working on. Most of my projects have been because of seeing you post your knitting and that inspires me so much to try too.  Carol at Polka Dot Chicken is responsible for my love of sock knitting.  Now I will have lots of Frankensocks in my drawer., Thanks Carol.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving comments throughout the year on my blog.  They mean a lot to me and I feel encouraged to try new things.

Here's wishing all of you a Healthy and Happy New Year and be safe if you are driving for New Years Eve's celebrations. 

Linking up with Judy's Patchwork Times.

On The Needles and More QOV Blocks

I'm still working on the first sock of a Frankensock scrappy pair. Just rounded the heel and working on the foot.  There is just so much that needs to be done for getting ready for the Christmas holidays that I haven't taken time to sit and knit much.  I can't wait for some down time after the first of the year.

I'm still accepting blocks for the QOV of Eastern MO block drive.  This is what came in during the week mixed in among the Christmas cards.  I always open the squishy packages before the cards. Wouldn't you??

These great blocks came from Cherie, of Quilted Jonquil.  Cherie, I love all the different reds and blues you used.  Thanks a bunch Cherie for taking time to send these to me.

The next four red blocks are from Ginny, a sweetheart of a lady who quilts with us during the year at monthly meetings.

Many thanks Ginny.  I hope to see you in 2017 at our first quilt day.  You will be seeing a lot of these blocks when they come through as tops for quilting.

I'm linking up with Judy's OTN post.  Stop by and see what others are kniting these days.

OTN A little late

Well, I got sidetracked with those Black Friday Sales and forgot to post yesterday to OTN, but better late than never, right?

I'm making slow progress on another pair of Scrappy socks.  I really like the colors of the yarns so far. Can't wait to see how the 2nd sock will turn out.

What fun knitting did you accomplish this week during Thanksgiving holidays?

Linking up with Judy's Patchwork Times.

On and Off The Needles - Friday

Hooray.  I finally finished my first pair of Scrappy Patchwork socks, or as Carol would say, her Frankensocks!   They are so full of happy colors and will make my feet happy in cold weather.  Now to get started on another pair and see what colorful surprises will happen with the next pair. These are fun to make.  If you have leftover small swatches of yarn, give it a try.  It's very liberating, especially if you make a mistake, no one will know. lol

I have always wanted to learn the Magic Loop method of sock knitting, so I've started a pair of short socks with worsted weight yarn.  The pattern calls for Size #5 needles and with the heavy yarn, it should go a lot faster.  So far they are going pretty smoothly.  I'm thinking the heels may be where I will have any problems, IF I'm not careful. 

What's on your needles this beautiful Fall day?  Have you discovered any new techniques or patterns that you've been wanting to try.   Stop by Judy's Patchwork Times to see more knitting fun.

OTN and A Finish

I finally finished my first scrappy patchwork sock.  I really like all the bright colors and watching the designs appear with each new scrap.  I use 5 dpns to make my socks from the top down, but have been wanting to try some other methods. Maybe after this pair is finished, I will try using those cute little 9" circulars. Still want to try the toe up method too, but haven't taken the time yet to try that. Someone told me it's harder going that direction, especially if you learned the top down method first. Since I'm so slow as it is and I love being able to understand what I'm doing from the top/down, I might not rush into it.  No need to increase the time it takes me to make a pair of socks to one pair a year, right?  And I do have lots of yarn that is waiting to be knitted up.

Also spent some time quilting this small children's size quilt. This is called Bunny Tales and was meant to be a fabric book. Making it into a quilt will get a lot more use, I think and hopefully the little one will use it longer. She can still "read" the book if it's wrapped around her, right?

Time to get busy on loading another quilt, or piecing a QOV or one of my UFOs. But I'm going to check out what others have on their needles this week over at Patchwork Times first.  Why not meet me there.

OTN - August 5, 2016

I did a little more knitting on my scrappy sock this week, but most of my spare time was spent finishing up a couple quilts for others.  Here's where I am on my scrappy sock.

And here's one of the quilts that kept me from doing more knitting.  lol

Lady of the Lake (104" x 104")

Back of same quilt

Linking up with Judy's OTN.

OTN- Scrappy Socks

I finally got started on my first pair of scrappy socks and I'm loving how they are turning out.  It is such fun not knowing how the next small tidbit of yarn will work up.  Can't wait to finish this sock and begin it's partner.  Since I am a big fan of scrap quilts, this is right up my alley. This might turn into an addiction similar to fabric scraps, which has gotten out of control in my sewing room.  If this happens, just know Carol F that I will have to contact you to see if you have a cure.  lol

Sorry this picture is laying on it's side.  I. couldn't figure out how to rotate the picture within blogger after it was on the blog post.

Check out OTN at Patchwork Times today and see other knitted treats.

On The Needles

I finally took time to cast on my first pair of "Scrappy Socks" or as Carolfun calls them her Frankensocks.  I used a pattern that I've made before and things were going great.  They are turning out really neat.  Then I thought to try it on to see if I could get the cuff over my heel.  Well, not so good.  If I hold my breath and close my eyes, they will almost stretch over the biggest part of the heel and arch of my foot!  I wonder if they will block out a bit bigger if I keep going?  It has taken me so long to get this far, it kills me to have to rip back and start over totally.  Decisions, decisions.

Well, it's another day and I made the decision to leave these as they are and keep going.  I have added the next little ball of yarn and will keep my fingers crossed that they work out ok.  If not, someone who likes soft, handmade scrappy socks will receive them as a gift.

Here they are with the new yarn added. 

Linking up with Judy's OTN a little late.

OTN -April 16, 2016

I've finally finished my sock#1 with the rust/red/brown variegated yarn.  I hope the 2nd sock won't take me as long.   There is no rush now that Spring has arrived, except for the anticipation for my next adventure in sock knitting.

What's the reason I'm so motivated to finish that 2nd sock?  Take a look.  I was thrilled to receive a squishy package from a fellow knitter with some of her sock leftovers; so now I can make some scrappy socks to go along with all my scrap quilts that I love to make.  I can't wait to see how these wonderful variegated scraps will knit up!!  Look at all these fantastic colors, would you.  Thank you so much Carol for making my day.

Here they are dumped out so you could see the bright, fun colors much better.  Doesn't this look like so much fun.  It will be my first experience in adding new pieces of yarn along the way.  Any tips on how to do this easily and securely for socks?

I'm linking up with Judy's OTN party even if I'm a little late. 

OTN - Fri. March 18

On my way to the toes!!  Haven't made much progress on this pair of socks.  I'm still on the first sock, but now it should go faster.

I've been preparing for our big quilt show this weekend, and today is set up time.  So off I go to help hang 400 quilts for our grand opening on Saturday and Sunday, March 19 & 20.  If you are in the St. Louis area, stop by and see all the wonderful quilts, vendors, demonstrations on new techniques, antique bed turning, door prizes and lots of inspiration.  We are at Queeny Park in Ballwin, MO.  It's easy to find, just a little west of I-270 off of Manchester Road. Here's the link for Fanfare of Quilts 2016.

To see more knitted bliss, check over at Judy's Patchwork Times.

OTN - Friday 2/25/16

These last two weeks have found me busy trying to finish a quilt for our upcoming guild show in March, so I have not been getting much done on my knitting projects.  However, I did finish my Cloud Cowl.  It was fun and I would love to make another one in the future.

The pattern that came with the yarn said to cast on 100 stitches with Size 11 needles and it would finish at 9" wide x 32" long.  Recently I saw on Ravelry another pattern that was very similar which suggested casting on 110 stitiches on Size 10 needles.  I would like to make this again in a different colorway using the new sizes.    For now, this is finished and I'm back to working on my red, self striping socks.

Take a look at Patchwork Times to see more knitty things.

On The Needles - Feb. 12, 2016

I've been a little under the weather with a sinus infection and haven't done much knitting lately. It's hard when you find it difficult to breathe and are coughing all the time. My constant companion was a box of kleenex, a quilt to wrap up in and a cup of hot tea.  I think it's allergy related, but it's hard to concentrate or focus for any length of time. However, one day I felt a little better and decided to start something new. I bought this yarn at the quilt show in Paducah last year and they gave a free pattern with it.  The pattern is called Cloud Cowl and uses 1 skein of Bamboo Bloom Yarn.You knit the smooth yarn and purl the slubs. Even with my stuffed up head and on meds, it was a piece of cake.  And it goes fast!! The hardest part was casting on 100 stitches.  I kept losing my count and had to keep going back to the beginning to see what number I was on.

After knitting on size 10 1/2"needles with such an easy pattern, I'm not sure I want to go back to my tiny dpn sock needles.  The quick gratification of seeing something grow so quickly is motivating.  I love this yarn! The pattern says it will finish at 9" wide and 32" long..

My other project is another pair of socks that were started a few weeks back.  For some reason, I just can't seem to get these going correctly.  I think the color of the yarn is too similar to the needle colors and the stitches are hard to see. Somewhere I made a major mistake and had to rip back and then things were fine for a bit and before I knew it I had too many stitches on the needles. Now I am back to the right number of stitches on each needle, but I'd rather work on the cowl, so they will just have to wait a bit longer.
.

I'm going to Patchwork Times to see what others are doing this week with their knitting.

On The Needles - Dec. 17, 2015

With all the Christmas parties and activities going on, I have not done much in the knitting arena.  I am still working on my stripped socks from way back in October. At the rate I'm gong, I'll be doing well to get them finished by the end of the year!  Where did the time go?? All those beautiful yarns in my stash are calling to me, and I do want to knit up more things before Spring comes, which will be right around the corner with the way the days fly by.  I can't believe it is almost the end of 2015.

I'm linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times.  Check there to see more wonderful knitted things.

On the Needles - 9-18-15

Not much knitting these last couple of weeks.  I did get the second Rose City Roller sock started. I just finished the heel and heading for the toe.

The last couple of weeks I have been busy quilting - both for Quilts of Valor and others.  QOV has met twice in less than a week for all day quilting session.  Note the posting on our bulletin board of the number of quilts we have presented to our veterans since this group was started -- 1,900 quilts.  I think we will hit the 2,000 mark before the end of the year.   More pictures of our QOV quilts will be coming in a later post.

To see more knitting inspirations, go to Judy's Patchwork Gardens and enjoy what others are doing.