FINALLY ....... A FINISH!

 

I finished "Ten Rubber Duckies" on Thursday.  I followed the pattern from the manufacturer of the fabric panels, using 2 of them, along with the border print.

I added the red, gold, green, blue ocean waves, yellow sun, light blue anchor print, and the dark blue fabric from my stash.

 

I had to use three different flannel prints for the backing, as the two outside pieces were added to the stash quite a few years ago, and weren't long enough. 

Most of the quilting was "stitch in the ditch", and the final border and the "anchor" border were stippled with monofilament (invisible) thread.  I also outlined all the main characters in each of the blocks.

I stitched some ocean waves in the dark blue border that goes around the whole quilt.  I used a variegated polyester thread with several different shades of blue.

The green border was stitched with a green "twist" thread.

 

  I had to add my favourite feather hooks in the smaller dark blue frame around the first of the blocks that tells the tale of the ducks who go overboard.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hope all my American friends are enjoying a special day with friends and families.  Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, and we had a great visit with our family then.

Today we're getting together with some friends, to enjoy a meal together.  I'll be doing some quilting and laundry today as well.  I just have one more area on my rubber ducky quilt to complete!  I've been having fun quilting waves in various areas.

I have to get my sewing area tidy so I'm ready for Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt beginning tomorrow!
 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Started quilting the rubber ducky quilt, destined to be a 6 month birthday gift for our grandson, who is due late in January.

I had purchased the 2 panels and some of the border fabric last winter "just in case".

 Of course, you can't just have one project on the go.  I cut out some small dresden fan pieces, using leftover 30's fabric from one of last year's projects.  I had a vest panel that was 30's style, but didn't use the appliques that were also included.  I've been sitting turning the edges with a glue stick while I watch TV in the evenings.  I'm not sure if this will be a wall hanging or a table runner.

 I also printed out the paper piecing pattern for a small star block.  It uses gradated fabrics, and I had some of those leftover as well.  I'll be making it in shades of green and gold.  There will be 5 blocks when it is completed, so I need 5 identical units.  I made a chart for each set, so I don't mess up the colour placement.  I also measured and will pre-cut all the sections.  That certainly speeds up the work.

I am planning to join in with Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt that begins on November 28th.  I've made one or two before, but always waited until I returned to my main stash before starting.  This time, the colours were announced early enough to pull fabric from my stash and bring it along.

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see what others are creating this week.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  184.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date 51.5 yards

Net used 2014   133.125 yards

Nothing used and nothing added this week.  I spent the week working on the mystery quilt project that I'll be doing with my group here.  I wanted to test all the different parts, and I saved sample parts from each set of directions.  Because of that, I have most of the blocks completed, but a few need some parts, and I have all the borders and binding cut, pressed and ready to sew onto the finished centre.  I have to keep this a secret until January!

Then I spent time piecing the backing for the rubber ducky quilt.  I used 2 of the fabrics I brought from home, and another piece that I had picked up earlier to back two small quilts.  DH and I are heading to the clubhouse later today to baste the quilt, so I can get the quilting done soon.

 

Check all the reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I can't show you my design wall this week.  I've planned a mystery quilt for my group at our southern home, and I've been testing the instructions, and setting aside demo parts for each week.  I don't want to show any parts, in case some of the members are looking.

I even had a call from one who has not arrived in the neighbourhood yet, asking if she could be the official pattern tester.  She was unsure of her fabric choices, but I told her that she'll have to wait just like the rest!

 I've been stitching away at the braid strip, using it as leader and ender units.  I've decided to stitch it all into one long braid, as I don't know how long it we end up.  I've looked at several braid quilts online, and have some ideas for a future quilt.  Once I get this set of parts made, I have another set, with the lights and darks working in the opposite direction, the result of the pieces being cut from a folder strip of fabric.
Last week at our Wednesday quilt group, I sat and sorted the smaller sized units.  It is amazing how much fabric was stored in a packed shoe box.
My next project is to piece the backing for the rubber ducky quilt.  I washed all the new flannel yesterday, so now I just have to figure out a plan for the back, so off to Electric Quilt software.

Check out the design walls shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  184.625 yards

Fabric added this week  4.5 yards

Fabric added year to date  51.5 yards

Net used 2014  133.125 yards

 

Still nothing completed.  I was going to piece the backing for the rubber ducky quilt, and discovered that I was short and needed another piece of flannel.  This morning I serged all the raw edges of the flannel that I picked up last week, and one has rubber duckys, so it will be used for this quilt, and I'll have to find another backing for its planned quilt top.  I just put the flannels in the washer, and then I'll wash the 4.5 yards of pink cottons that were added this week.  My stash of pinks was getting VERY low, so these will be added for future projects.

 

Check out the stash reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Finally.....I'm back to quilting!  Last winter I found some fabric panels based on Eric Carle's book, "10 Little Rubber Ducks".  I ordered the book as well, just in case we have a new family member soon.  Good news - the baby is due in January!!!!!

I downloaded the free pattern, then decided to use some of my stash to complete the quilt.  I had this wonderful "sea" fabric leftover from some scenic wall hangings I tried a few years ago.

I machine appliqued the sun, using a satin stitch for the rays and a spiky grass-like stitch for the circle.  I used some Sulky rayon variegated thread for interest.
I still have 2 more borders to attach, then I have to piece the backing.  I had 3 different "rubber ducky" flannels in my stash, just waiting for the right project!

This is my "leader and ender" project this winter.  A couple of years ago, one of the quilters in my group picked up a shoe box full of pre-cut pieces in 2 different sizes, and she gave it to me, as she didn't think she would ever use them, but for 50 cents, she couldn't resist the bargain.

I sorted them into piles of darks and lights, and rights and lefts.  When I get finished sewing this stack, there is another waiting.  After taking a piece from the top, I place the remaining matching pieces on the bottom.  I plan to just sew one long braid, then see where it takes me!  When I get this size finished, I'll tackle the smaller pieces.....

Check out all the creativity at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date  184.625 yards

Added this week  11 yards

Added year to date  47 yards

Net used 2014  137.625 yards

I'm finally set up and sewing after relocating for the winter.  I haven't completed anything yet, but my first quilt top is getting close.  When packing, I selected some baby quilt panels and some kids projects that I want to complete this winter, so I added 11 yards of various bright flannels to use as backing - so cuddly.  Now I have to dig out my serger to finish the raw edges, so I can wash it, ready for use.

BTW, my guild's website has lots of free patterns on its Block of the Month page.  Our coordinator is trying to find small projects for our quilt show boutique, and has themed items each month.  September had a picnic placemat, October had some bag patterns, and November had kitchen items to try.  Check it out here.

Check out the stash progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

BACK TO QUILTING

After arriving at our southern home, I took my machine into the dealer for its annual check-up and spa treatment.  That gave me time to get my bins of quilt items unpacked and my room set up.  I had to hurry as my machine was ready the next day!

Here's my machine set up in the table that DH modified.

The blue bins hold 2 inch squares to be used as "leaders and enders".  There are 5 cases of thread ready to stitch, and the white plastic drawers hold items that live here permanently, while the black drawers hold items that travel back and forth.  More bins of scrap strips wait for the next project.

The other side of the room has my cutting table, with more storage underneath.  I like to be prepared for whatever inspiration strikes.

Two comfy wicker chairs for visitors, or just to sit and stitch or read...

Just inside the door is a small bookcase with assorted fabric, and bags with fabric sorted for various planned projects.  I keep the fabric covered with an old linen tablecloth that I embroidered when I was a teen.  I have to keep the strong southern sun from fading my fabric.
I have matchstick blinds to help with sun control, but I love having so many windows, and I enjoy working in the natural light and fresh air!


My first winter project is well under way!

ON THE NEEDLES

Actually, I just cast the stitches off the needles!  This is my favourite baby sweater pattern, from an old Beehive knitting book.

I haven't stitched the sleeve seams yet, and I need to crochet across the bottom up the front, around the neck and down to the start - I left the yarn attached.  It takes 3 small buttons, so I picked up 3 cute blue elephants to finish it.  I've made this pattern many times, in a variety of colours, but this one is special as it is for our first grandchild, due in January!

WE'VE ARRIVED!

We made the trip south in 2 1/2 days this time.  Didn't do any sightseeing along the way.  Day one was rainy until after 4pm, but no traffic slow-downs, accidents or anything else to slow us down.  Our only extra stop was for DH to pick up 2 amplifiers for his collection.  Day two we drove through some early morning fog through the Blue Ridge, but the leaf colours were beautiful.

Our house was welcoming and so were the neighbours when we arrived!  We have new neighbours across the street - great to see the house being loved after sitting empty for a while.  Now I have the task of unpacking.  The large totes are packed with a variety of items, so it is like going on a treasure hunt!
 
DH is doing some outside cleaning this morning.  My sewing room has to be cleaned, and the items stored there placed where they belong.  My sewing machine has an appointment for annual service on Monday, so that gives me time to get organized before the projects begin.  

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  .125 yards

Fabric used year to date  184.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  36 yards

Net used 2014  148.625 yards

Had to do a bit of sewing this week - I was going through stitching withdrawal!  This accounted for the hexagons that I stitched to guest towels - not much, but every bit counts, and they are finished!

Now back to packing.....

Check out all the progress reported at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I'm supposed to be packing and cleaning, but......

I was straightening up my sewing table, and found my basket of 1/2 inch hexagon papers and leftover hexagons, so I just had to stop and sew.

 I love using tiny "fingertip towels" for my guests, and I have a collection of plain ones, just waiting to be decorated.
The three blue flower units were already stitched together, so I linked them with 2 neutral hexagons, then machine appliqued them, using a small blanket stitch, to the towel, using monofilament (invisible) thread in the needle and white in the bobbin.  Then I did the same with the zig zag strip of hexagons that I pieced while watching TV.  These will be really quilty accents in my powder room!   I may make some more for sale at my quilt guild's show in the spring.

ON THE NEEDLES

I have nothing to show - knitting wise.....
I delivered three bags of mitts, slippers, scarves, hats and a shawl to the cousins last weekend.  They were happy that I made some smaller mitts and slippers.  I have tiny amounts of alpaca yarn left, but not enough to make anything!

My house is a disaster, as we are gathering items to take south for the winter.

The red case holds my Bernina - it is going in for its annual cleaning as soon as we arrive south.  I have my quilt tool bag packed, holding cutting board, rulers, cutters, scissors etc.  My containers of strips are ready, a small duffel full of fabric, and a large black bag full of books.  Since I am in charge of the weekly quilting group, I take a few books to use if members are looking for ideas or inspiration.  I have 1 of the 4 large totes packed, but have 3 more to go.  DH also has to pack his guitar stuff, music books, amplifiers, cables, etc.  Right now he is washing the kitchen floor - we like to leave the house clean - much better greeting on our return!

Back to packing (wish I was knitting!)

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Nothing again, so I won't be sharing my design wall again until I am back in quilting mode, in the sunny south in a couple of weeks is everything goes to our current plan!  Lately it seems that thinks are changing every day - more about that later.

Here is the toiletries case I made for SDIL2
I used "Soft and Stable" for this one, and I think it would be better if I use batting next time.  My original one is much softer.

It has four zipper compartments, made of clear vinyl.  I quilted the outside layer first, then used fusible vinyl so that each compartment is waterproof, except for the stitching lines.  Mine is great for packing a damp toothbrush etc., and wipes clean.

Check out all the creativity at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  2.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  184.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  36 yards

Net used 2014  148.5 yards

This might be my last report for a few weeks.  We are getting in the "packing to head south" mode around here.  

I spent some time making a baby sleeper this week.  I had to change the pattern a bit to accommodate the zipper closure.  I dislike working with snap tape, and I don't have a snap setter tool.... ,  The knit fabric was in my stash so I get to count it!

I also made a toiletries case for SDIL2.  Picture to come later.  I made it similar to one I own, that I've had for years.  If I make another one, I'll make a few changes to make it easier to assemble.  Making this makes me really appreciate all the work that StudioKat Designs goes through to design and test their wonderful purse patterns!  It is not as easy as it looks!

I thought I'd also show the baby shawl that I made earlier in the spring.  It will be delivered to DS2 and SDIL2 this week.  I'm going to be a grandmother in January!  The pattern is from a "Beehive for Bairns" knitting book from the 1940's - another from my mother's collection.  I like to think that she was looking over my shoulder while I was making this!  It is all knit in garter stitch, which makes it reversible.

Check out the stash reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

ON THE NEEDLES OCTOBER 10TH 2014

This will probably be my last knitting post for a while.  I'm down to the final skein of alpaca yarn from our cousins' herd, and I'm hoping to deliver the finished items to them next week.

I've been using all the part balls, and small amounts of leftover yarn to make the final few items.  I have finished another pair of slippers and some striped mittens.

This is the first of the pair of raspberry and cream houndstooth patterned mittens.  I use an old Beehive pattern for 2 needle mitts, and this one isn't stitched together yet.  The thumb is cream, as that is the colour of the stitches in the pattern when I began the increase rows.  The stitch pattern was in an old knitting stitch book that I've had for over 40 years, and is only a 4 row pattern.  As you might guess, I get bored with plain knitting easily, and either need to play with the stitch pattern, or the colour pattern.

I'm not sure if I'll be asked to make any more items for our cousins right away, or if they'll wait until spring, when we return from the sunny south.  Of course, I'll be in full "upcoming quilt show mode" by then......

Check out all the knitting progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My design wall is empty!!!!  We had a great visit with our family for the past 4 days, so no quilting went on.  I just finished a vest to be donated to  my guild's boutique at the quilt show next June.

Of course, due to Murphy's Law, we had problems with one of the toilets when we had extra people staying in our townhouse.  DH had to remove the toilet for a day to make some repairs.  Couldn't leave it disconnected, so reinstalled it by night time.  Sunday after our family departed, I helped him to remove the toilet and the flooring (thank heavens for the vinyl floating flooring that we installed), and we have the dehumidifier and and a fan thoroughly drying the subfloor.  We'll re-install things back to normal tonight or tomorrow.

Since we will be heading south at the end of the month, I've been spending time making up kits for projects I want to complete over the winter.  I have some special ones for our first grandchild, due in January!  I've even dusted off my dressmaking skills and plan to make some baby clothes for the new arrival.  I have some older patterns for baby items, and while some of the things are very dated, there are some great patterns for basics, including sleepers.  I remember all the "stretch terry " sleepers that mine wore, but it seems like most of the commercial sleepers are is cotton knits.  Guess I'll have to dig out my ball point needles for knits too!

We have planned to visit the future parents in 10 days, to help set up the nursery (including shopping for some of their must have items).  I'll probably be sending items north all winter too!  We're excited to have our first grandchild - can you tell?

Check out the wonderful work shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week   3 yds

Fabric used year to date  181.75  yds

Fabric added this week   0 yds

Fabric added this year  36  yds

Net used 2014   145.75 yds

I finished my picnic placemat in time to donate it at my guild's Wednesday meeting.  I also completed 2 vests, one donated and the other will be delivered at the executive meeting later this month.

I haven't done much sewing since, as Thursday morning DH and I had our final dental visit of the year, then headed to the train station to pick up our 2 sons and 1 daughter-in-law for a visit.  They all took Thursday and Friday off.  I love having them visit.  They all enjoy playing board games, and sit around the table, laughing and joking with each other - it is wonderful to hear!  Occasionally DH and I are convinced to join in, but their idea of a game with simple rules is usually not accurate!  Our thanksgiving weekend is next weekend, so I took the opportunity to cook my turkey dinner a week early.  Neither couple cook a turkey very often, so they look forward to all the favourite turkey dinner side dishes.  A good friend that they only see on their visits home, joined them for some games on Friday and Saturday, so he enjoyed the turkey dinner and the leftovers too.  The house seems so quiet since we returned them to the train station for a 1pm departure.  Now time to catch up on email, laundry etc.

Check out Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see all the weekly stash reports.

PLACEMAT COMPLETED

I finished my picnic placemat and packed it ready to donate to my guild's boutique collection on Wednesday evening.  The pattern is found here.  It is the September BOM download.

I used an orphan 12 inch finished block, then added the side pieces.  On the right side is a pocket to hold knife, fork and spoon. 





It has ties to roll it up, ready for use.

I chose to use a "quick turn" method to finish the placemat with no binding.  Then I had more time to play with the quilting!  It is difficult to see, but I stitched a knife, fork and spoon in their places.....

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Today I'm making a picnic placemat using a 12 inch finished block in the centre.  It is the BOM project for my guild, and will be donated to the boutique for next June's quilt show.  Our coordinators for BOM will be adding lots of interesting patterns over the next few months - small gift items and also good for the boutique!
I'm making a hanging sleeve for the Mickey quilt, and have also completed my small applique project, as well as the Hexagon Hydrangeas quilt that I showed while it was in progress.  It came from a photo by Lori Kennedy of the Inbox Jaunt, and the paper piecing pattern was by Peggy Reimer.

Now I have to get busy and make more hanging sleeves and decide on what type of label I'll use.....

Check out all the creativity at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  10.75 yards

Used year to date  178.75 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date  36 yards

Net used 2014  142.75 yards

I love it when I have some small finishes.  This week I finished my appliqued heart wreath wall hanging,  my hydrangea wall hanging, and I made a Mickey pinkeeper for my SDIL2. 

When she and our son visited us in Florida last fall, she became an avid pin collector, so I thought she needed a place to store and display her collection.

I used a cotton blend batting, and left the print under the Mickey logo, to add an extra layer of stability.  The black area is quilted in a simple grid, and the background is stitched in echos of the shape.  Hopefully, it will be big enough for all of her pins, and room for future additions.

Check out the stash reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

ON THE NEEDLES

The start of a slipper..... I'm using up all the small balls of yarn, making stripes!

 The slippers on the right are a "desert boot pattern, that takes a button on the ankle cuff.
The orange slippers are from the same pattern that I've started above.  The pattern is from a Patons knitting book of my Mom's from the 1940's.  The book also has a page of "2 needle Mitts" in many sizes....

My latest pair of mitts in the raspberry colour - all the items are knit of hand-spun 70%alpaca 30% merino yarn from our cousins' alpaca herd!

See what others are knitting at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

A LITTLE PROGRESS

DH and I spent the morning in our front garden, making it more tidy, trimming back some of the irises and removing dead leaves.  I finally spent some time in my sewing room.
After hunting through all my striped fabrics, and auditioning a few, I finally chose this border for my appliqued flower heart.

 

This floral stripe won the honours.  It has the right colour tones to coordinate with the flowers.  I even managed to make 4 mitered corners - all lined up perfectly!  Now I need to think about quilting designs.  I plan to enter this wall  hanging in my guild's quilt show next June.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Another Monday with nothing to show!!!!  I'm finishing the quilting on a donation quilt, and then I'll finally get back to items on MY list!

I have been knitting - lots of mitts in various sizes

and 2 pairs of slippers, with another one in the works.

Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  3 yards

Used year to date 168 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date  36 yards

Net used 2014  132 yards

Two small finishes this week - 2 more "panel quilts" for donation.  I didn't have any suitable backing fabric, so my guild's community quilts stash came to the rescue - therefore I only claimed the top and binding.  I'm sure the "Hugs" program at our local hospital will like these two.

Check out everyone's stash progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

ON THE NEEDLES

I finally decided it was time to block the finished items!

The first scarf, made in ecru alpaca/wool yarn is made using the Asherton reversible scarf pattern.










The close-up photo shows the texture provided by the stitch pattern.












 
I love knitting lacy patterns.  This one uses a pattern called Liesel.

The yarn is 100% alpaca, in natural dark brown.








Next is the "Combo Cable Scarf", pattern from Caron yarns.  Stitched with 70% alpaca 30% merino yarn, dyed in a colour called Jade - more of a greenish gray.

This shawlette is made from the pattern "198 yards of Heaven".  Stitched in raspberry 70% alpaca 30% merino yarn.

Lately I've been working on mitts and slippers - popular now the cooler weather is on the way.  We had a light frost on the roofs this morning!


 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Another panel quilt for the hospital program - as requested.  This is one that was in my stash, and I've layered it with some flannel from my guild's community quilts stash, and some leftover batting.  Now I'm off to machine quilting.

I'll be happy when I can get back to creating new projects!!!!

Head over the Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to check out all this weeks' creativity!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  3.5 yards

Fabric used year to date  165 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  36 yards 

Net used 2014   129 yards

I managed to finish a panel quilt for my guild's community quilts this week, and provided binding for 2 more small project.

We met on Tuesday to get more quilts pin-basted.  The program that we donated to at our local hospital was almost out of baby quilts.  The co-ordinator even bought some printed panels and delivered them to be completed!   The 6 of us pin-basted 8 quilts, and added borders to 3 more tops, so they'll be ready for matching with backing fabric next month.  I ended up bringing 5 quilts home to machine quilt.  I managed to finish 4, and passed them along to our binding person, who will hand stitch the bindings.  I have one more to finish, and then I need to layer and quilt 2 more cute panels from my own stash - I found coordinating backing fabric while I was helping on Tuesday....

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

ON THE NEEDLES

Two finishes - a "Hurricane Hat" from Ravelery  made in a 70% alpaca 30% merino yarn in a coral colour.  The second is another pair of mitts using the the greenish gray yarn.  I borrowed the design from the scarf in the same colour to decorate the back of each mitten.  I think I need to learn to knit mitts on 4 needles instead of the 2-needle version that I usually make.  Maybe I could adapt the method of knitting socks on a cable needle to mitts......

NEW BABIES

I was in touch with our cousins today, discussing knitting patterns, and asking how their move to their new home went.  Just a few days after their arrival, two of their female alpacas presented them with new members!  These babies, or crias are 1 week old.

They were worried that they'd come before the move, and moving all their animals was a huge undertaking already.  They have 2 horses as well as around 20 alpacas, and they had to keep the males and females separated during the move.  The expectant moms rode in the back of their van!  (That is how they take them to shows...)
 
I guess I better get knitting - there will be more yarn spun soon!