Loopy Ewe 4th quarter challenge

I almost forgot to post my completed Loopy Ewe 4th quarter challenge. 

The yarn is Shibui Alpaca and Silk Cloud and the pattern is Cable Rib Wrap.  The color is Bordeaux.

Design wall Monday

I am almost finished this BOM that I have been working on at my LQS.  Our last class is Saturday.  I rarely seem to stay on schedule when I participate in group activities like this.  Maybe this is the new me beginning to emerge!!!

This is my first machine embroidery/applique quilt.

Design Wall Monday

I have been working on a BOM at my LQS.  Not matter how good my intentions, I always seem to fall behind.  I am determined to catch up before our next meeting.  I have 4.5 blocks to finish before the Sat. after Thanksgiving.  Wish me luck.

Design Wall Monday

I started this Farm Life quilt as a BOM in January but fell behind with mistakes and being away.  Since everything is closed due to the weather, I thought I would play catch up as long as the power stayed on!

The designs are taken from A Duck Says Quack by Kathleen Conner.

Design Wall Monday

The borders are on my Ode to the 30's.  It is ready to go to the long arm quilter for basting.  I want to hand quilt this one. 

 

Design Wall Monday

I worked on our guild's president challenge--a sports themed quilt for a child featuring a New England sports team.  I chose the Boston Red Sox.

Our challenges arn't due until February.  This is the first I have been this far ahead.  My plan is to start machine quilting it this week.

Fall for Tosh

I am gearing up for the Fall for Tosh challenge beginning next week.  The pattern I have selected is In three's a baby cardigan and the yarn is Madelinetosh Vintage in Black Velvet.  Little Miss M, my granddaughter loves purple.  And I think this will make a wonderful Christmas gift

The two skeins of yarn on the left are Madelinetosh DK in a brown colorway called toast.  I love the pattern Gramp's Cardigan.  I don't have anyone to knit it for but I have it on my to do list when I run out of projects!!

On (off) the Needles Friday

I have a finish to post!My Camp Loopy #3 project is done and ready to post.  Camp Loopy has been so-o-o-o much fun.   Our third project requirements were to knit (crochet) a project using at least 500 yards of yarn in at least two colors.  the pattern I chose is Debbie Bliss' Striped Sweater in Blackberry and Pink Skinny dyed by Blue sky Alpaca.  I found the buttons in a little shop in Cape may New Jersey. 

The hat pattern is fromwww garnstudio.com.  The pattern is Baby Drops 18-26.

Don''t you just love the feeling of finishing a project.

On the needles Friday

I have been working feverishly in the evening on my Camp Loopy Project #2.  Usually I can only knit in the evening.  But I am pleased with y progress and should make the deadline of July 27.  My nightly goal is to knit 10-15 rows a day.  So far I have been able to stay on pace.

Camp Loopy

As you may have noticed I have been on a bit of knitting frenzy.  This is my first time at Camp Loopy.  My first project is FINISHED.  It was looking like it was going into time out.  I restarted the lace knitting five times.  Not sure why I was having so much difficulty, the pattern is not difficult.

The yarn has a lovely feel and knits up beautifully.

I will "be at camp" for three months.  Project 2 starts on Wed June 27 and I will be knitting Debbie Bliss' Cable blanekt in Madelinetosh DK.  The color is mulled wine.

My applique and quilting have taken a back seat for awhile.  Now that the shawl is done maybe I will do a lttle work on HocusPocusville.

MadMay12

My MadMay KAL socks are done.  I completed 2 of the 3 projects I set out to do during this challenge. I call the socks Uh-oh Camo.  The color was listed as bungalow but as I was knitting, they appear to be camouflage.  This was my first pair of "grown-up socks.

My third project, Vodka Lemonade, a cardigan is on the needles but I am still working on the collar. There is no way I can meet the deadline. So rather than stressing out, I will do what every committed knitter does--move on to another challenge!!


I am going to Camp Loopy.  Sunday is the first official day of camp i.e. casting on our project.  I have never been so eager to start a project.  I will be casting on a shawl, Spighe di Grano in a beautiful yellow yarn, Heritage Silk by Cascade.

MadMay2012

Knitting fever has hit me hard!!  I have done more with knitting needles than I have with needlework lately. There is a Ravelry group called Madelinetosh Lovers that is having a Mad may challenge.  this is the first of 3 projects that I chose to do.  the second project a pair of socks will be completed but I don't think I will complete my 3rd project, a sweater called Vodka Lemonade

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Camp Loopy

Have I mentioned that I have knitting fever?  Knitting was my first love many years ago until I discovered the world of quilting, applique and stitchery.  So my yarn and needles were retired but just for awhile.  I caught the "bug" from Judy L.  She seduced introduced me to a few very special knitting sights on her blog. 

I began my knitting journey slowly--a few gifts for Christmas--a couple of hats and scarves.  Then along came the Loopy Ewe challenge.  I couldn't resist.  I have completed the first two challenges.  But then word came of Camp Loopy.  I told myself no--just stick with the quarterly challenge.  But I found a beautiful shawl courtsey of Ginny.  I order a beautiful lemon yellow Cascade Heritage silk yarn.  Now you might think it difficult to wait until May 27 to "go" to camp but---I am also taking part in the Ravelry group,  Madelinetosh Lovers' challenge Madelintosh MadMay12 !  I am attempting to complete 3 projects.  the good news is that Nellie is almost done.  I just need to buy the buttons to complete it.  I have casted on my socks.  I think it is a pipe dream that I will even cast on Vodka Lemonade.  But a girl can dream.

Stash Report Week 20

I missed last week's post for a very good reason.  I went to Phila. for my neice's wedding shower.  We spent a long weekend eating, drinking laughing and having a great time visiting.  my sister and I both love fabric and yarn.  Whenever we visit we always go on an excursion to feed our fiber obsessions. 

Fran took me to a new quilt shop in Ambler PA, The Round Robin.  Now I think it is my personal responsiblity to financially support our LQS and LYS !!!!  I treated myself to a table runner kit with Prairie Pailsey by Moda.  It is so pretty.  I can't wait to get started.

But I have another confession to make!!  My New Year's resolution was to work on and complete the BOM UFO's I have been collecting.  I had every good intention of not starting another.  But I fell wildly and passionately in love with Vintage Rouge.  I tried very hard not to fall victim to its charms--but I failed.  My first package arrived this week.  But i know I will stay on top of this one and work hard every month to finish--not that I have ever made that promise before.

So here are my numbers:

In this week and last week;  7 yards
Out this week;  0
In YTD:  25.25
Out YTD:  34.5

MadMay Preview

My Loopy Ewe purchases came to day!!!  I am beyond excited for this challenge.  The Ravelry group, Madelinetosh Lovers, is having a challenge the month of May.  I have never used this yarn and was happy to learn about this event.  It was a great excuse to buy more yarn.

Starting from the left are 4 skeins of Madelinetosh DK in lichen.  It is a lovely varigated green and lavender.  My plan is to knit Vodka Lemonade.  The pattern sounds as though it should be a yellow yarn but these colors will look better on the daughter I am knitting it for.  then there are two skeins of Madelinetosh DK in coral.  I am going to knit a baby sweater from Heirloom Stitches called Nellie.  And the last skein is Madelinetosh Sock in Bungalow.  It is a very pretty varigated green, grey and brown yarn.

We can't cast on until May 1.  But I will be ready!

MadMay

Judy  has reignited my knitting desires.  From her, I learned of a group that has a Madelinetosh yarn challenge on Ravelry  I just couldn't resist.  I have never worked with madelinetosh yarn but it has its very own group.

I have chosen three projects to work during May.

A pair of classic socks from Yankee Knitter Designs in Madelinetosh sock yarn in Bungalow

Heirloom Stitches sweater pattern, Nellie in madelinetosh DK Coral

Vodka Lemonade in Madelinetosh DK Lichen

Now will I finish 3 projects in one month--not likely.  But I had so much fun choosing the patterns and yarn.

My goal this week is to finish the binding on one of my UFO's.  This way I may not feel guilty when casting on a new project and I will have yardage out to report next week.  This sounds like a win-win.

Stash Report Week 10

Yikes!  No change in my report for the past few weeks.  I need to go to my happy sewing place and finish something!!!!

Fabric In this week:  0
Fabric Out this week--0
Fabric In YTD:  16
Fabric Out YTD: 1.5

This isn't really an excuse but I have been participating in SewCalGal's free motion quilting. 

Heartstrings Quilt Project

While visiting Mary of Making Scrap Quilts from Stash, I read about her heart Strings project.  I couldn't resist.  So I have completed a few blocks made from fabric from kits and BOM that I will never finish.  This is such a fun way to use up pieces that are to big to throw away but not enough for any project.

Stash report Week 9

I missed week 8 for a very good reason.  I was in Hawaii for the first time.  Our youngest daughter was going for business and lucky mom that I am got to go with her.  I was able to do a little knitting and some reading.  But mostly, I enjoyed exploring Oahu and soaking up the sun.  I have decided I am a born tourist. 

But back to reality.  My stash report is essentially unchange from 2 weeks ago. 

Fabric In this week:  0 yards
Fabric Out this week:  0 yards 
Fabric In YTD:  16 yards
Fabric Out YTD: 1.5 yards

Aloha

I DID IT

I have been trying for years to learn FMQ--with very little success.  Well, I signed up for the  FMQ challenge on SewCalGal's blog.  (I don't know how to "high-light" to make a link.)  For the first time ever, I feel successful.  My stitches are not perfect and I have along way to go. 

I am planning to make baby quilts and try out my new skills. Little babies won't notice all of the mistakes and I will get plenty of practice.

FMQ Challenge

I took the pledge and bit the bullet.  I have been so frustrated trying to machine quilt.  But I signed up for Sew CalGal's challenge and am so happy I did.  I watched Frances' tutorial and set myself to work.  My first attempts were somewhat pitiful but I presevered.  Practice, practice, practice is the key, I know.  But what I found helpful was that it is just one little piece to work on.  I saw improvement from the first of the month until the end of the month.  I feel more confident than I have in years.  I am excited about February's lesson.  Here are a few examples of my attempts.

Ten on Tuesday

Ten favorite Super Bowl Snacks
Our son comes every Sunday to watch football with his Dad.  Our son also loves to cook and is pretty good in the kitchen.  He will make some girl very happy with his talent.  And this from a kid who was a very picky eater.  No matter where we went for dinner he would order grilled cheese.  He has come a long way.   So some of our favorites are:

1. Quesadillas
2. Nachos
3. Buffalo Wings
4. Scallops and Bacon
5. Chili
6. Lasagna
7. Lemony Shrimp Rounds (see recipe below)
8. Cheese and Crackers (I know I am part mouse.  No party or get together is complete with cheese.)
9. Apple Cranberry Chutney over cream cheese with crackers
10. 7 Layer dip

Now I know these aren't all snacks, but these are some of our menu items.  We tand to have a theme.  Last year it was Tex-Mex.  This year we will have more of an Italian theme.

Here is one of our favorite appetizers.

LEMONY SHRIMP ROUNDS
8 oz cream cheese softened
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3-4 scallions finely minced--use white and a little of the green part
2-3 TBLS prepared horseradish
1/2--3/4 lb cooked shrimp coarsely chopped
2-3 grinds of pepper

Beat cream cheese and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.  Stir in the scallion and horseradish.  Fold in the shrimp and finally the pepper. 

Serve with melba toast.

Go Pats!  I think we should have added clam chowder this year!!!

Stash report Week 5

I must admit I started out the New Year with BIG plans to finish stuff!!!  I have done very little sewing since the holidays--more knitting than quilting.  I am trying to knit socks.  I did knit up a couple of Christmas Stockings and a pair of baby socks.  Now I am working on a grown up pair of socks on size 1 needles.  I feel like I am knitting with toothpicks!!!

Fabric in this week: 0
Fabric out this week: 0
Fabric in YTD: 4
Fabric out YTD: 0

I think I may start keeping track of yarn.  It might help me fell like I am making progress.

I will be "gifting" some fabric and yarn.  I have been very busy cleaning, sorting and de-cluttering in general. 

Ten On Tuesday

I don't go to the movies very often.  But this was fun to think about.  I was a big fan of movies growing up.

1.South Pacific
2. Rocky.  the original.  I am a Phila girl by birth and miss my home city.
3. The Nun's Story.  If you went to Catholic school you wanted to be Audrey Hepburn.
4. West Side Story
5. War Horse
6. The King's Speech
7. There Be Dragons
8. Three Coins in a fountain
9. Schindler's List
10. The High and the Mightly

Looking at this list, I have to get out more!!!!

Stash Report Week 4

I had big plans this week to start putting a dent in my stash.  But life and family have a way of side tracking me.

Added this week: 4 yards (backing and binding for January's UFO challenge--more on this later!)
Added this year;  4 yards

Used this week: 0
Used this year: 0

I should be able to spend some quality time in my sewing room this afternoon.  The boys will be very busy watching football--Go Pats!!!

But right at this moment I am trying to talk myself into going to the gym.

Ten on Tuesday

10 Things To Do Inside When It's Too Cold To Go Outside.
1. Bake chocolate chip cookies
2. Look at old cooking magazines
3. Make homemade chicken noodle soup
4. Drink tea, while
5. Knitting, while
6. Watching old movies
7. Play Scrabble on the computer
8. Work on our geneaology
9. Plan a new quilt project
10. Spend time thinking of all the blessings in my life.

As much as I love to knit and quilt, it seems my thoughts turn to food when the weather is less than pleasant outside.

Beth

Stash Report Week 3

I still have nothing to report this new year!!!  The past week got away from me and I did very little sewing.  Back in 2008 I participated in an international Amish swap.  Completing this quilt is one of my goals for the year.  It is not going together all that well.  I may have to rethink what to do with the blocks.  My numbers have not changed

Fabric In this week: 0
Fabric Out this week: 0
YTD:0

Stash Report Week 2

I am off to a slow start this year.
 Fabric in this week: 0
Fabric Used this week; 0
YTD: 0

I am learning to knit socks and I haven't spent much time in my sewing room.  that will have to change this week!

Beth

UFO Challenge

Judy of Patchwork times graciously reopened the sign-up for her UFO Challenge.  When i was getting my list together, I looked at projects I keep putting on the back shelf even though I like them.  My number assignment was random.  Some will hopefully be finished.  But some of the projects are just a collection of blocks.  #5 on my list is an Amish Euro Swap from 2008.  It was my first attempt at an international block swap. Looking at the blocks again brought back many pleasant memories.  My contribution to the swap is the block in the center--a goldenrod yellow.  I think the pattern is cactus rosebud.  The block off to the left will become part of the label.  Each participant included a 5 inch block of their color as well as a signature patch.  I am hoping to have the top and backing assembled by January 31.

I had every intention of sewing this afternoon but decided to "pick up a few things and put them away".  I now can see my cutting table and the floor is no longer a lethal weapon.  I can walk freely without fear of tripping.

Beth

FMQ Challenge

I just spent a little time working on the January tutorial by Frances Moore.  First let me say that I have struggled to machine quilt.  I can actually recognize the leaf motif that I quilted.  Everyone says practice, practice, practice.  This challenge is going to help me stay focused.  My goal is to practice 3-4 times a week until these leaves are mine!!!!  For the first time in my quilting life I feel successful with learning machine quilting.

Beth

Stash Report

My first official Stash Report:

Yardage In: 0
Yardage Out: 0
YTD In: 0
YTD Out: 0

My goal for 2012 is to have more yardage out than in.  I think I will have to start a stash report for yarn as well! 

Happy New Year