Scrappy Ring

Soooo after reading this super sweet post about the 6 minute circle I knew it would be the perfect technique to complete another project I had in mind. But, I would have to modify it to get the "ring" I so desired.

After doing some research I came across this tutorial which allowed me to do this.

I managed to do some paper piecing as well, first time! I wanted a scrappy look but with perfect symmetry. That was just about the time I started cursing myself for not paying more attention in high school geometry class! But after some figuring and ruler work I finally had a plan of attack and commenced sewing like a mad woman. I even missed dinner I was so into it! The hardest part was the last seam to finish the paper pieced ring. The whole process definitely took longer then 6 minutes, probably because I used regular paper for templates instead of freezer paper and paper pieced when I didn't know how. But I did it and I'm proud. I might even think about making an entire quilt with these blocks......hmmmmm.....I'll have to go to Shop Rite first for that freezer paper though....

Local Quilt Shop Day

Mark your calendars! January 24th is Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day! And in honor of this prestigious day I would like to share my favorite local shops.

I can't pick just one since there are a few I haunt :) My three favorites are Quilted Treasures, a "Gem in the Pines", The Little Shop, and Sam's Fabric (which isn't a quilt shop per say but they have a huge selection of novelty, dots, stripes and Kona cottons.) Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the Little Shop, but here are the two I go to most.

I love supporting small businesses! Without them we would only have mainstream conveyer belt type mega marts that have no soul! Sorry.....but yea I really love my local shops. Its always so nice to go in and chat with the owners, poke around, and get some really great buys. These places have turned into a home away from home and I'm sorry, but you'll wont get that at the "you know what mart" fabric department.

So get out there and SHOP LOCAL FIRST!

You can learn more about this wonderful day and join the blog tour telling all about your local shop over here.

Hexie Caddy

I am diligently working on my list....some what. I've actually already broken my rule and have purchased more fabric. Its flannel for some pajama pants though so it doesn't count!

But in the meantime.... there's this.

Isn't it sweet?!?!?! Its a Hexie Caddy! I made it for a friend using this tutorial. It is super cute and super easy. And since its hand sewn, it makes a wonderful on the go project. I really love how it turned out. I used Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush and some solids I had around. I absolutely love the warm palette. You can get your hands on some Innocent Crush here.

Now back to work!

Best laid plans

Well.....I didn't exactly finish on time, but I came damn close! Here's the Christmas Wall hanging in all its unfinished glory.

I stitched a plain ol' loop d' loop pattern. Not my greatest work but it'll do. Amazing it was this just a month or so ago. All I have to do is finish hand stitching the binding and we're good. I'll save it for next year's decorations....at least then I'll finally be able to put it up!

WIPs 2013

Please enjoy our feature presentation:

Not the best pictures in the world but you get the point. I've got my work cut out for me. This doesn't even cover the stacks of fabric waiting to be cut up.  All in good time......

Meanwhile, I did manage to scratch one thing off my bucket list.

She got them crazy eyes! (And eyebrows in need of waxing sheesh!)

I finally finished my 2 year old neck warmer. Its super soft and super warm. I love it. Score one for me. To the projects listed and the ones I'm bound to add.....game on.

Resolutions

With the new year I have decided to take on some "resolutions" if you will. With the hectic season of Christmas over now is the time to really get back to what I love....

I have not finished a quilt in almost 6 months. Which is bad even for me. I have started a lot of things but have not finished any. There are piles of half made blocks all over my sewing space. It is getting to be a little uncontrollable. It is my goal to finish what I have started last year, this year! Which means no new projects! Ugh.....so hard to say.

And the whole not finishing things goes for all areas of craft especially knitting. It is my soul goal to get better at it and finally complete a project.

The other night I started this. I have been seeing the Herringbone Cowl all over. Christie from OCD made one which really spurred me to try it.

Being a crocheter before a knitter, I instinctively hold the yarn and tension in my left hand, Continental Method. But after about 20 minutes, my hand cramps, it gets super painful to hold and I start dropping stitches which normally for me means ripping the whole thing apart and starting over. This is why a picture of said Herringbone Cowl that I stared is MIA. Sad face.

But eureka!!! I finally figured out how to knit using the English Method, which means holding the yarn in your right hand, and boy has it made a huge difference. My hands don't hurt and the tension is just right. I can go hours knitting, which is fantastic! I decided not to restart the Herringbone Cowl until I finish a cabled neck warmer I started 2 years ago. That's right 2 years. Here's what I have so far. It is my first cabled anything with a pattern I made up myself.

Thank you Jenn for my sweet new stitch markers! Much better then earrings....and much safer then safety pins.

I'm also not going to buy any new yarn until I finish up what I have which might mean making some other cowls first....mainly the Honey Cowl. I really love this pattern :) Here we go again.......

To new beginnings and endings, I hope your new year is filled with excitement and productivity! Happy New Year!!!!!