Third attempt will start today on the patio while I watch our hummingbird before he/she migrates south. May you enjoy your slow stitching.
Jill
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Still Knitting
Making a knitted newborn hat has become a ongoing challenge for me. The light pink hat per last week's Slow Sunday Stitching got messed up somewhere along a row while switching to DPNs from a circular. Lol.
Instead of trying to fix it and become frustrated, I chose a darker pink yarn to make a new hat. Psychological, it did not feel like I was knitting a redo ;-) This hat had a better result, but some of my decreases had a mind of their own. Oh, and those holes along the crown is enough for baby to loose heat.
More consistent tension is another goal. Knitting on circulars is relaxing and makes for a convenient, easy portable project. I am not going to give up nor am I ready for stripes.
Third attempt will start today on the patio while I watch our hummingbird before he/she migrates south. May you enjoy your slow stitching.
Third attempt will start today on the patio while I watch our hummingbird before he/she migrates south. May you enjoy your slow stitching.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Relaxed Knitting
I am delighted to be able to share my simple knitting project today with Slow Stitching Sunday hosted by Kathy. Since she is up to hosting her popular weekly link up, she may be on the road to recovery. If she can host, the least I can do is write a post. Thanks, Kathy, for your motivation.
It is enjoyable to be knitting a pink newborn hat for charity. It is especially rewarding and relaxing after several failed attempts. I will spare you the frustrating details, however, they included DPNs, straight needles (required a seam), too-long circular needles, magic loop, and incorrect needle size for specific yarn. Did I mention knitting up a gauge swatch was beneath me. Tsk, tsk. Soon I became obsessed in mastering a baby hat.
Therefore, back to knitting basics such as following the pattern with the correct yarn and needle size. A gauge swatch was made. Success. Next a trip to my LYS with hopes of finding a shorter length circular needle. Another success. Bonus was the moral support and advice provided by LYS (somethings you can't get online). I am using ChiaoGoo circular needles bamboo size 6 with a 16-inch length. Initially, the cast-on (64 stitches) and first two rows seemed a bit tight, however, the stitches soon relaxed as I did also. It has been smooth knitting ever since.
The simple easy-to-follow pattern is written by Heather Wells. Click HERE for pattern. As you can see, I am making a solid color version. Knitting two-color stripes can wait for the second hat. Lol. Yarn is Cascade Superwash 220 which is quality yarn and soft for my knitting fingers, but more importantly, soft for baby's head.
Stay tuned on when the results when I am forced to use DPNs for crown shaping. Since I won't be starting the pattern with them, I think I shall be okay. Any suggestions and/or advice is appreciated.
It is enjoyable to be knitting a pink newborn hat for charity. It is especially rewarding and relaxing after several failed attempts. I will spare you the frustrating details, however, they included DPNs, straight needles (required a seam), too-long circular needles, magic loop, and incorrect needle size for specific yarn. Did I mention knitting up a gauge swatch was beneath me. Tsk, tsk. Soon I became obsessed in mastering a baby hat.
Therefore, back to knitting basics such as following the pattern with the correct yarn and needle size. A gauge swatch was made. Success. Next a trip to my LYS with hopes of finding a shorter length circular needle. Another success. Bonus was the moral support and advice provided by LYS (somethings you can't get online). I am using ChiaoGoo circular needles bamboo size 6 with a 16-inch length. Initially, the cast-on (64 stitches) and first two rows seemed a bit tight, however, the stitches soon relaxed as I did also. It has been smooth knitting ever since.
Stay tuned on when the results when I am forced to use DPNs for crown shaping. Since I won't be starting the pattern with them, I think I shall be okay. Any suggestions and/or advice is appreciated.
Smooth stitches,Jill
Relaxed Knitting
I am delighted to be able to share my simple knitting project today with Slow Stitching Sunday hosted by Kathy. Since she is up to hosting her popular weekly link up, she may be on the road to recovery. If she can host, the least I can do is write a post. Thanks, Kathy, for your motivation.
It is enjoyable to be knitting a pink newborn hat for charity. It is especially rewarding and relaxing after several failed attempts. I will spare you the frustrating details, however, they included DPNs, straight needles (required a seam), too-long circular needles, magic loop, and incorrect needle size for specific yarn. Did I mention knitting up a gauge swatch was beneath me. Tsk, tsk. Soon I became obsessed in mastering a baby hat.
Therefore, back to knitting basics such as following the pattern with the correct yarn and needle size. A gauge swatch was made. Success. Next a trip to my LYS with hopes of finding a shorter length circular needle. Another success. Bonus was the moral support and advice provided by LYS (somethings you can't get online). I am using ChiaoGoo circular needles bamboo size 6 with a 16-inch length. Initially, the cast-on (64 stitches) and first two rows seemed a bit tight, however, the stitches soon relaxed as I did also. It has been smooth knitting ever since.
The simple easy-to-follow pattern is written by Heather Wells. Click HERE for pattern. As you can see, I am making a solid color version. Knitting two-color stripes can wait for the second hat. Lol. Yarn is Cascade Superwash 220 which is quality yarn and soft for my knitting fingers, but more importantly, soft for baby's head.
Stay tuned on when the results when I am forced to use DPNs for crown shaping. Since I won't be starting the pattern with them, I think I shall be okay. Any suggestions and/or advice is appreciated.
It is enjoyable to be knitting a pink newborn hat for charity. It is especially rewarding and relaxing after several failed attempts. I will spare you the frustrating details, however, they included DPNs, straight needles (required a seam), too-long circular needles, magic loop, and incorrect needle size for specific yarn. Did I mention knitting up a gauge swatch was beneath me. Tsk, tsk. Soon I became obsessed in mastering a baby hat.
Therefore, back to knitting basics such as following the pattern with the correct yarn and needle size. A gauge swatch was made. Success. Next a trip to my LYS with hopes of finding a shorter length circular needle. Another success. Bonus was the moral support and advice provided by LYS (somethings you can't get online). I am using ChiaoGoo circular needles bamboo size 6 with a 16-inch length. Initially, the cast-on (64 stitches) and first two rows seemed a bit tight, however, the stitches soon relaxed as I did also. It has been smooth knitting ever since.
Stay tuned on when the results when I am forced to use DPNs for crown shaping. Since I won't be starting the pattern with them, I think I shall be okay. Any suggestions and/or advice is appreciated.
Smooth stitches,
Jill
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Disappearing 4 Patch
A new quilt has begun and is up on the design wall.
Four blocks done and so far so good. A collection of reds and whites are going to be used for a unified scrappy look. Originally, the lights were going to be low-volume red and whites; however, they were difficult to find.
After "auditioning" different ones, I decided that I preferred white for clear contrast and continuity. Think of Minnie's white spots on red. :-)
I had to use self-discipline on starting this quilt (or any other that are on my bucket list-LOL) until I completed my previous quilt (see previous post).
After "auditioning" different ones, I decided that I preferred white for clear contrast and continuity. Think of Minnie's white spots on red. :-)
I had to use self-discipline on starting this quilt (or any other that are on my bucket list-LOL) until I completed my previous quilt (see previous post).
Disappearing 4 Patch
A new quilt has begun and is up on the design wall.
Four blocks done and so far so good. A collection of reds and whites are going to be used for a unified scrappy look. Originally, the lights were going to be low-volume red and whites; however, they were difficult to find.
After "auditioning" different ones, I decided that I preferred white for clear contrast and continuity. Think of Minnie's white spots on red. :-)
I had to use self-discipline on starting this quilt (or any other that are on my bucket list-LOL) until I completed my previous quilt (see previous post).
After "auditioning" different ones, I decided that I preferred white for clear contrast and continuity. Think of Minnie's white spots on red. :-)
I had to use self-discipline on starting this quilt (or any other that are on my bucket list-LOL) until I completed my previous quilt (see previous post).
Design Wall Monday with Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Scraptastic Tuesday with Mrs. Sew & Sow
Scraptastic Tuesday with Mrs. Sew & Sow
Friday, June 9, 2017
Dress for Success
This week I learned that 'Dress for Success' was accepted at the AQS Quilt Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am pleased that I disciplined myself to finish it before starting another quilt and/or needlework project.
The quilt is made from a pre-printed panel designed by Holly Holderman. I hand embellished the dresses, added the scrap border, and machine quilted it. The red-striped binding was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts.
Jill
Today I am linking with Finish It Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.
The quilt is made from a pre-printed panel designed by Holly Holderman. I hand embellished the dresses, added the scrap border, and machine quilted it. The red-striped binding was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts.
Jill
Today I am linking with Finish It Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.
Dress for Success
This week I learned that 'Dress for Success' was accepted at the AQS Quilt Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am pleased that I disciplined myself to finish it before starting another quilt and/or needlework project.
The quilt is made from a pre-printed panel designed by Holly Holderman. I hand embellished the dresses, added the scrap border, and machine quilted it. The red-striped binding was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts.
Jill
Today I am linking with Finish It Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.
The quilt is made from a pre-printed panel designed by Holly Holderman. I hand embellished the dresses, added the scrap border, and machine quilted it. The red-striped binding was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts.
Jill
Today I am linking with Finish It Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Quilt Show Photos
The 2017 Sauder Village Quilt Show was wonderful. Lots of eye candy wherever you turned. Of course, my favorite was, Teresa's (Fabric Therapy) quilt entitled "Contentment." Her blue ribbon and people's choice award were well deserved.
Lots of other lovely applique and pieced quilts.
Teresa from Fabric Therapy took a plethora of photos which are posted on her blog. My goal of completing Dress for Success (Holly Holderman design) was met (barely) and that it was nicely displayed.
I admit that I am ready to move onto making another quilt. Actually, I have four going around in my head. Lol!
Lots of other lovely applique and pieced quilts.
Teresa from Fabric Therapy took a plethora of photos which are posted on her blog. My goal of completing Dress for Success (Holly Holderman design) was met (barely) and that it was nicely displayed.
Jill
Quilt Show Photos
The 2017 Sauder Village Quilt Show was wonderful. Lots of eye candy wherever you turned. Of course, my favorite was, Teresa's (Fabric Therapy) quilt entitled "Contentment." Her blue ribbon and people's choice award were well deserved.
Lots of other lovely applique and pieced quilts.
Teresa from Fabric Therapy took a plethora of photos which are posted on her blog. My goal of completing Dress for Success (Holly Holderman design) was met (barely) and that it was nicely displayed.
I admit that I am ready to move onto making another quilt. Actually, I have four going around in my head. Lol!
Lots of other lovely applique and pieced quilts.
Teresa from Fabric Therapy took a plethora of photos which are posted on her blog. My goal of completing Dress for Success (Holly Holderman design) was met (barely) and that it was nicely displayed.
Jill
Monday, May 1, 2017
A Finish and A Show
Dress for Success is completed. Yay!
The quilt is in Ohio at the Sauder Village Quilt Show. If you live within three hours of Archbold, it is well worth the drive as they usually have over 400 quilts on display. Show runs from Tues., May 2 through Sun. May 7, 2017.
Dress for Success was made from two pre-printed panels designed by Holly Holderman of LakeHouse Dry Goods. Borders are my own. The first border consists bright colored squares. The outer border is a finely checked red which can read as a solid, but has a bit of interest. The red and white striped border was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts striped bindings.
This is the first quilt that I machine quilted with the use of a walking foot. It was a pleasant surprise that I could machine outline (slowly) the dresses. Minimal hand quilting was done near the neckline and embellishments as access with the walking foot was limited.
Similar dress quilts have been stipple quilted. Since I am not confident with free motion, I stitched a traditional straight diagonal on the background. My intent was to have the dresses stand out and not the quilt stitches.
There is stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, more diagonal lines in the squares (easy peasy). For the outer border, I used a stencil and marked with a washable Crayola which I pretested. Although the marks soaked out, I was a nervous wreck that they would stain the quilt. In the future, I will use another marker or method.
Since this was a pre-printed panel, I under estimated the time it would take. Lol. Has that happened to you on a quilt project? Hand embellishments took time as each dress is different. The diagonal quilt stitching required many starts and stops at each dress. I persevered for the Sauder Village Quilt Show entry deadline which also coincided with the Grand Rapids AQS deadline.
Looking forward to starting another quilt. There is fabric in my stash anxiously awaiting. :-)
The quilt is in Ohio at the Sauder Village Quilt Show. If you live within three hours of Archbold, it is well worth the drive as they usually have over 400 quilts on display. Show runs from Tues., May 2 through Sun. May 7, 2017.
Dress for Success was made from two pre-printed panels designed by Holly Holderman of LakeHouse Dry Goods. Borders are my own. The first border consists bright colored squares. The outer border is a finely checked red which can read as a solid, but has a bit of interest. The red and white striped border was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts striped bindings.
There is stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, more diagonal lines in the squares (easy peasy). For the outer border, I used a stencil and marked with a washable Crayola which I pretested. Although the marks soaked out, I was a nervous wreck that they would stain the quilt. In the future, I will use another marker or method.
Since this was a pre-printed panel, I under estimated the time it would take. Lol. Has that happened to you on a quilt project? Hand embellishments took time as each dress is different. The diagonal quilt stitching required many starts and stops at each dress. I persevered for the Sauder Village Quilt Show entry deadline which also coincided with the Grand Rapids AQS deadline.
Looking forward to starting another quilt. There is fabric in my stash anxiously awaiting. :-)
Jill
A Finish and A Show
Dress for Success is completed. Yay!
The quilt is in Ohio at the Sauder Village Quilt Show. If you live within three hours of Archbold, it is well worth the drive as they usually have over 400 quilts on display. Show runs from Tues., May 2 through Sun. May 7, 2017.
Dress for Success was made from two pre-printed panels designed by Holly Holderman of LakeHouse Dry Goods. Borders are my own. The first border consists bright colored squares. The outer border is a finely checked red which can read as a solid, but has a bit of interest. The red and white striped border was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts striped bindings.
This is the first quilt that I machine quilted with the use of a walking foot. It was a pleasant surprise that I could machine outline (slowly) the dresses. Minimal hand quilting was done near the neckline and embellishments as access with the walking foot was limited.
Similar dress quilts have been stipple quilted. Since I am not confident with free motion, I stitched a traditional straight diagonal on the background. My intent was to have the dresses stand out and not the quilt stitches.
There is stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, more diagonal lines in the squares (easy peasy). For the outer border, I used a stencil and marked with a washable Crayola which I pretested. Although the marks soaked out, I was a nervous wreck that they would stain the quilt. In the future, I will use another marker or method.
Since this was a pre-printed panel, I under estimated the time it would take. Lol. Has that happened to you on a quilt project? Hand embellishments took time as each dress is different. The diagonal quilt stitching required many starts and stops at each dress. I persevered for the Sauder Village Quilt Show entry deadline which also coincided with the Grand Rapids AQS deadline.
Looking forward to starting another quilt. There is fabric in my stash anxiously awaiting. :-)
The quilt is in Ohio at the Sauder Village Quilt Show. If you live within three hours of Archbold, it is well worth the drive as they usually have over 400 quilts on display. Show runs from Tues., May 2 through Sun. May 7, 2017.
Dress for Success was made from two pre-printed panels designed by Holly Holderman of LakeHouse Dry Goods. Borders are my own. The first border consists bright colored squares. The outer border is a finely checked red which can read as a solid, but has a bit of interest. The red and white striped border was inspired by Red Pepper Quilts striped bindings.
There is stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, more diagonal lines in the squares (easy peasy). For the outer border, I used a stencil and marked with a washable Crayola which I pretested. Although the marks soaked out, I was a nervous wreck that they would stain the quilt. In the future, I will use another marker or method.
Since this was a pre-printed panel, I under estimated the time it would take. Lol. Has that happened to you on a quilt project? Hand embellishments took time as each dress is different. The diagonal quilt stitching required many starts and stops at each dress. I persevered for the Sauder Village Quilt Show entry deadline which also coincided with the Grand Rapids AQS deadline.
Looking forward to starting another quilt. There is fabric in my stash anxiously awaiting. :-)
Jill
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)