Sunday, March 10, 2013

Baby Quilt for Emily

Hello Constant Reader,

This project is actually still a WIP.  The main quilting is done, but we (baby mama, her sister-in-law, and I) plan on filling in the open spaces with some hand-quilting, embroidery, and embellishing.  I just wanted to share with you my latest nearly finished project because it's my first totally improvised quilt!



I used Bella Solids pre-cut 5" squares and a charm pack that was a gift to me.  If anyone can identify it, that would be great.  I couldn't find the specific collection.  The backing is an all-over floral print from Free Spirit, a collection called Summersault, and the fabric is "pinwheels" in apricot.

Although the half-square triangles that make up the big diamond motif were slightly larger than the 4x4 squares, I made it work.  And, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out!



I'm hoping my friend's baby likes it as much as I do!

Friday, March 1, 2013

New Design: Squishy Cabled Vest

Hot off the presses!

The final garment in the "Squishy Series" is published...

with a shawl pin as closure element (and Victor's woven scarf)

hopi mittens & shawl pin (plus manduh's Alternating Currents Slouch)

rear-view smirk

with toggles for closure

hee hee toggles!

With winter on my mind and fun layering elements as inspiration, the final garment from the “Squishy” series came to be.
The vest begins with the ribbed bottom edge, followed by the body which is knit back and forth in a Diamond Cable Motif and Stockinette Stitch. Short rows create the fold-over collar. The circumference of the vest is somewhat adjustable by placing the toggles/buttons elsewhere along the width of the edging at the front.
Skills
knitting, purling, cable knitting
short rows
picking up stitches
simple crochet chain to make loops for toggles/buttons
alternately, simple embroidery to attach the loops for the toggles/buttons
Notions
9 stitch markers (2 removable stitch markers), tapestry ndl, scrap yarn, 4 toggles (or 4 buttons, or 1 shawl pin), optional crochet hook size US 6 (G) / 4 mm
Add-On’s
In the future, I would like to include a variation on this pattern that includes a detachable hoodie and a sleeved version.  What do you think?

The pattern is available here on Ravelry.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Amaranth Shawl, Now in German!

Jetzt auf Deutsch... Amaranth Schultertuch!


Both versions are included with purchase.
Check it out on Ravelry here.

And, a shout out to my translator, Micha: Super-Vielen Dank!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

In the meantime...

Lately I've been so hesitant to post, and I keep waiting to post, and holding out for something big to happen.  Today, I decided to forgo that train of thought.  I mean, why am I holding back?  I started this blog to share what I was making - whether they be big breaks or small, right?  So, here goes.

I've been on a dumpling kick.  So, I've been making lots and lots of these delicious little pasta pockets.  Thus far, I've been using one cookbook that several of my friends purchased whilst I drooled over it. The book is "Asian Dumplings" by Andrea Nguyen, and there's an accompanying website: http://www.asiandumplingtips.com/

Here are my creations based on recipes found in the book... a set of "big hug" folded dumplings right before they were cooked and devoured.

So far I've done the first 2 recipes:  Pork and Napa Cabbage Water Dumplings and the Meat and Chinese Chive Pot Stickers.  I've steamed, boiled, and cooked them like pot-stickers, and so far we have enjoyed them greatly!  I really like the process of rolling out the dough and folding into the different shapes.  I found that the 2nd day dough is much easier to work.

I've also been working in the background for several already-released patterns and several new ones!  The rights for the Orange Blossom Camisole have reverted to me so I can self-publish the pattern which I did on Craftsy, Ravelry, and Patternfish


In sewing and quilting, I seem to be acquiring patterns, cutting them out, but hesitating before making them.  I don't know what's stopping me, but hopefully I can snap out of my reluctance.  It's annoying me.  I'd like to just clear off the table and finish the quilt I started last year with the Craftsy Block of the Month.  I have everything even the backing ready to go!  So what's stopping me?  I have no idea.

Sewing mojo come back!!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Coming Soon...

The final piece of the Squishy Series (although a hoodie add-on and/or sleeves may be in order)...


Currently in tech-edit/testing, but coming soon!