05 May 2016

Knitted Finishes.


Loopy Academy projects are starting to get done.


I finally finished my socks for Loopy Academy a couple of weeks ago. They are Saltwater Taffy by Julie Spins. I really enjoyed doing these even though they are just vanilla socks. It was my first time ever doing magic loop. I did one at a time cuff down and had no holes or ladders. My mom didn't think I made them. Go figure.

Saltwater Taffy Socks 




Needed a project done in two colors. I chose Zaria - I only did 2 repeats of the lace and mine came out a lot smaller than the pattern. I am happy with it though.





Downtown Cowl - Extra project for Academy only needed to use 200 yards. I chose Socks That Rock in medium weight colorway Clickey Clack. I think this will be my go to cowl to where to work since it is so colorful and will go with almost anything.




I finished this way back in August 2015 and never took a picture. It is Samadhi  and I really loved the color. It is MJ Yarns in Tumbleweed. Although Knitting 5 together was a pain I really love the way it looks. 


I love when I get a lot of pictures of things done and posted. It really makes it look like I am just rocking those needles. We won't discuss how long these things actually took though.

I am off to work on my last Academy project....a boring hat.


Michelle






03 May 2016

First Ever Socks

I was cleaning out a box and came across some knitting I had forgot about. Turns out I found my first every pair of socks that I had made. I must have had enough yarn left because I made a pair of baby ones too. These were done in my favorite lime green of course and worsted weight no less. I can see a few mistakes but honestly not bad for a newbie.


I've come along way since then but still have a long way to go. I also don't think I will ever make another pair of socks that long again either. What was I thinking.

Michelle

02 May 2016

A Little Bit Messy

A couple of weeks ago I decided I just needed a break from the class sewing and started to play around a little bit.

I pulled out my scrap buckets and dove in.

I am working on Bonnie Hunter's Pineapple quilt, plus about 10 others of hers at the same time. I decided to narrow it down and just work on a few things at once until those string pieces and paper pieces are done and then I will move on to the next one.

I love these pineapple but it seems to take forever to finish one and I for some reason have to totally concentrate so I can remember what color value goes where. I have 3 done I think. Only a couple hundred to go.







It is a bit messy and it seems to grow and you don't seem to make a dent with scraps and the pieces just multiply and the pile gets larger, but it is a great stress reliever. It is a nice change since there is no thinking involved.



Hopefully I can get back to this soon. I  really only have one more quilt to finish for class and then just 4 blocks a month so I should have more time...I hope.

Michelle

01 May 2016

Farmers Wife 30's

Farmers Wife 30's is coming along. Lately, I have been procrastinating so I have been having to bust my 4 blocks out a day or so before class. I need to get back on track doing them every week but it hasn't happened yet.





I have 4 more blocks to go and I will be done with Row 2 - needs those this month so I better get busy. Only 9 more rows to go I think.

Michelle

Stash Report 4 - March/April 2016

I decided to change and do my reports every month and then I forgot to do March (not that I did a bunch). So I am just going to combine March and April. Who knows, it may make my reports look really good.

My friend Deb went to Jo Morton retreat and found me a couple of fabrics I had been looking for so that was a total of 2.25 yards.

I finished my quilt for my Pre-Cut Party Class (May) - 5.34yds out.
I finished my Cheddar Baskets for Jo's Club - 1.5 yds out.
Fabric came in for Loopy Academy extra credit - 2.5 yds in.
Frivols #8 - Brio - Bread n Butter Line - 1.35 + 5.24 = 6.59 in
I finished my top for Pre-cut Party Class (June) - 3.25 yds out

So I had 10.10 yds out and 9.10 in - not too goo
Fabric Used this Month: 10.10 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 51.25 yards
Fabric Added this Month: 9.10 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 53.18 yards
Net Fabric for 2016: -1.93 yards used not to bad..still need to use more


Lots of yarn in of course - 



Sweet Georgia Bulletproof Sock - Tooth Fairy (437)
Fibernymph Dye Works - Longest Night (400)
Sweet Georgia Bulletproof Sock - Smitten (437) 
from left to right 
Fibernyph Dye Works Bounce - Froot Loops (400)
Fibernymph Dye Works Bounce - Soft Kitty (400)
Blue Moon Socks That Rock  MW - Clickety Clack (405)


Yarn came in for Loopy Academy Extra Credit - 405yds in
I finished my Loopy Academy - Socks - 400yds out.

 I finished my Azel Pullover for my neice - 375yds out. 
I also received more of Vintage Apron and Naussau Blue - 790 yds
I finished my Loopy Academy - 2 colors - Zaria - 400yds
 Completed by Hornet Socks - 400 yds out
I finished my Camp Loopy Extra Credit - 270 yds out.

I went to the Loopy Fling - not good my numbers are now never going to be the same.
Hedgehog Fibers - Oracle, Crybaby, Boombox - 1311 yards ni
Madeline Tosh Light - Edison Bulb, Fathom, Nassau blue, Neon Red, Dirty Panther and Grey Grey Owl - 3360 yards in
Universal Cotton Supreme - Lime - 540 yards in
Shalimar Yarns Breathless - Concorde Grape, Sno Pea - 1680 yards in
Baah LaJolla - Tequila Lime, Spring Stripes - 800 yards in
FiberNymph Dye Works - Lucky Cat, Sassypants, Carnivale - 1200 yards in
Kauni - Blue, MultiBlue - 1312 yards in
Wollmeise Lace - Pfefferminz Prinz, Rosenrot - 3444 yards in
Wollmeise Pure - Om Kalten Polar, 26FE, Gewitterhimmel, Mauseballet - 2870 yards in
Wollmeise Twin - Himbeere, Libelle, Der Letzte Versuch - 1530 yards in
Malabrigo Unicorn Tails - 52 yards in
Dream Everlasting Sock - Hello Dolly 400 yds in
Blue Moon Tigger Targhee - Magically Delicious - 300 yds in
Fiber Nymph Dye Works Inversibles - 400 yds in
Last three were gifts.
GRAND TOTAL IN - 19199 yards



Yarn Used this Month: 1845 yards

Yarn Used year to Date: 2845 yards
Yarn Added this Month: 20394 yards
Yarn Added Year to Date: 22039 yards

Net Yarn for 2016: -19194 yards used Must knit faster must start a yarn diet.

For more stash reports which I am sure will look much better than mine for the rest of the century head on over to Judy's

Michelle - who must go knit to reduce these numbers down...





15 April 2016

On the Needles 4/15/16

I have a finish or two and I have a pita on the needles.

I finished my Loopy Academy socks and the shawl (but not picture have to block and weave).
Julie Spins - Saltwater Taffy


I have the yarn ready for the extra credit - still deciding on pattern.

I also finished my nieces pullover.
Azel Pullover - Bernat Softee Chunky - True Gray

My current project I am working on is a hat for Loopy Academy - I am working the 20 miles or ribbing with the KTBL to qualify. I'm not to thrilled with it but after trying Lindon Loop and ripping out 3+ times then switching to Whether the Weather hat and ripping out 3+ times, co pilot cowl and ripping out 2+ times ....well, I decided a simple hat is what this yarn will be. I will win!!!




I am off to Loopy Fling next week so I have a lot of quilting and knitting to do between now and then. Maybe with the snow storm we are supposed to get I can get a lot done.


For more Needle inspiration head on over to Judy's.

Michelle

06 March 2016

Stash Report 3 March 6, 2016

Since I can't seem to keep up with everything every week I am going to start doing my report once a month. I will just do it the first Sunday of the month for the previous month. Maybe it will make my numbers look better. So this report will be for February. 

I felt like I did a lot but it doesn't seem like I got a lot done. Make sense?

Fabric In -
 Fancy Forest - 15 yds (I still need a few more things for this one too)


Frivols 7 - 2.04 yds in the kit plus 4 yds for backing and borders. (6.04 yds)

Backing for my quilt trio - 2 yds in.

Total in - 23.04

Fabric Out

Quilt Trio - 2 yards backing plus 2.75 for tops  (4.75)
Computer Pad - 1/3 yard out (.34)
Pineapple Top - 3.35 out (3.35)
Pincushion/Mug Rug 1/4 yd + .81 (1.06)

Total out - 9.5

Fabric Used this Month: 9.5 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 41.12 yards
Fabric Added this Month: 23.04 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 44.08 yards
Net Fabric for 2016: -21.04 yards used 



No yarn has come in and unfortunately no yarn has gone out. I have one sock finished, 1/2 a pullover, 1/2 a hat and I started a shawl last night. Lets hope I can get some stuff done soon. Soccer starts up this week so that may be difficult. 
Yarn Used this Month: 0 yards
Yarn Used year to Date: 1000 yards
Yarn Added this Month: 0 yards
Yarn Added Year to Date: 1645 yards
Net Yarn for 2016: -645 yards used Must knit faster


For more stash goodness head on over to Judy's she gets a lot of yarn used. 

Have a great week. I do have some goodies to share this week that I have been working on.

Michelle

12 February 2016

On the Needles Feb. 12, 16

I missed the last On the Needles which was just as well since my projects that were on the needles were all ripped out. I made mistakes on both of them so had to start over. Go figure.

I am working on Loopy Academy Projects because I don't have enough other stuff on the needles to work on. I can say I haven't worked on any of them either. If I don't get back to the pullover for my niece she will be too big for it.

I am working on my socks, which when I finish will be my first pair on magic loop. I spent 2 days at the beginning of the year trying to do two at a time and couldn't get it. Someone recommended doing one at a time til I got the hang of it and by golly it is working a little bit easier for me. As of right now I can say I really like the way it knits. It is a lot easier on my hands to compared to DPN's as well.

Saltwater Taffy yarn by Julie Spins. I can say it reminds me more of sand and surf than taffy but I am loving it. I was going to make ankle socks but I think I will just keep going and make full socks.


My second project for Loopy Academy was a twisted stitch. I chose Linden Loop. It doesn't look like much here but the stitches are awesome. I ripped this one out twice, go figure. I just can not work on anything that has more than simple stitches while anyone is around. Although, I must admit, when working on this I say the pattern out loud continuously. So if there was some one listening in they would think I was crazy. Who knows maybe I am. 

I am 1.5 repeats in so I only have 1.5 to go. I honestly can not wait. I am so tired of doing tbl ( get confused easily) that I could scream and don't get me started on the yo's. I did learn to do my first slpsso so that is a good thing.

I am hoping to at least have the cowl done by next week. Maybe a sock but they are slow going for me.

Linden Loop in Rios (I think)


For more ideas head on over to Judy's ( who I think is going to Fling this year - and so am I ).

Have a great weekend and get lots done.

Michelle
.

11 February 2016

Farmers Wife 30's - Feb Blocks

I finally stopped procrastinating and finished my last 2 blocks for February. It had nothing to do with the fact that I need them by next Saturday and I work 3 days next week either....nope...not at all.

It turned out the last 2 were rather easy compared to the one before that.

Sonnie (92) - paper pieced this little thing.
 There were some mighty small pieces in that 9 patch.

Prudence (87) - template.
I originally tried to paper piece but with those pesky set in seams I had to rethink.
Out came the template and that is the way I went. It still looks a little wonky but in the grand scheme of things I know it will be ok.

Jewel (46) - paper pieced and easy. Nice for a change

Milly (62) - Just some regular HST's. Although it does look a little busy but that is the way the pattern went. I just substituted pink where green was supposed to go.

I am now ready to move one to March blocks (well, maybe next week) lets just hope I have some more easy ones.  I now have 8/99 done. On a roll.

Michelle

07 February 2016

Stash Report 4 Feb 7, 2016

I finished my quilting and binding for my quilt class in March. So there is 2 yds for backing and 1/3 yard for binding out. I did have to buy the binding so that is 1/3 of a yard in. I also had some stash enhancement show up for my Loopy Academy fabric side - 2 charm packs and some yardage for a total of 6.38 yards.

I also finished two small tops for classes coming up. That was a little bit of yardage but it helped. 1.535 for Cheddar Baskets (out) and .48 yds for Winding Road (out).

But my Frivols kit came in so that was 6.985 yards in

My numbers are getting worse.

Out was 4.355 and in was 21.04

Fabric Used this Week: 4.36 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 31.62 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 21.04 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 21.04 yards
Net Fabric for 2016: 10.58 yards used (still in the good  barely:) )


I of course had some yarn come in for my Loopy Academy. I better start knitting faster. Another few are on their way. I had 2 Malabrigo Rios in Paris Night - Mad Tosh Sock one Vintage Apron and 1 Nassau Blue (these I ordered more of) I loved them and decided to use them for something else therefore I had to order more plus a different yarn for my Academy project - go figure - and Julie Spins Euro Sock in Saltwater Taffy.


Yarn Used this Week: 0 yards
Yarn Used year to Date: 1000 yards
Yarn Added this Week: 1645 yards
Yarn Added Year to Date: 1645 yards
Net Yarn for 2016: -645 yards used Must knit faster

I am now off to craft - I have some knitting, hand quilting, and applique to do but the Broncos play today so I will be doing nothing during the game.

For more inspiration head on over to Judy's

Michelle

03 February 2016

When it Snows it Sews

We have been under a little bit of snow the last couple of days. The kids have been out of school for 3 days. I was off for two days then received a snow day for the third day. Makes my work week only 2 days this week. So with the weekend, I have been able to craft for 5 days in a row.

Good thing is....I have done a few things.
Bad thing is...I have to go back to work tomorrow. It's all good.

My co-worker decided she was going to Jo Morton's retreat again, all the nerve. So I was asked nicely to teach her March class. She was even kind enough to give me the pattern early so that I could even do my own sample. She is such a lovely person.

Cheddar Baskets - all from my scrap bucket. I did have to applique the handles down so it took me 2 days to get it done.

Yes I have a lot of pins in there. I am looking to be safe than sorry. Why? You ask. I have decided on attempting to hand quilt this little bad boy. Have I ever done it before...no. I had planned on starting this the other night but the spool of Valdani that I was going to use has disappeared. It has only been in the same spot forever and I guess in one of my cleaning moments I moved it.  Hoping to find it and get started soon.


My second Little House on the Prairie applique section is done. I even have the third section prepped and ready to go. I am really on this applique kick lately. I have another piece prepped but will show that another day. Unfortunately, my hands only allow me to do a little bit at a time. Ironically though my vision is going to hell in a hand basket and I have had to stop lately because I can't see and not my thumbs. Go figure. Especially when I realized that if I applique every other day I am good to go and I can even go a little bit longer than usual.  Oh well, I do have an appointment on the 22 so hopefully it will help.

I figured since I had an extra day of sewing and I was at a loss  procrastinating on what I should be working on (can anyone say Farmer's Wife 30's). I would start my Pre-cut Party quilts for April. There are 3 of them and they are all small. I bought two different charm packs and mixed them up. 

This one I finished in about 45 minutes, would have been sooner if I would have been paying closer attention (stinking DVR's) and didn't have to rip out a couple of rows. This one is Winding Road.

I did start the second one and have the 3 squares done but I pooped out. Actually, I didn't but my back did. I will finish the other two this weekend I am sure. I have a light work week next week so I should be able to get a lot done then. 

Is is weird to want to hand quilt this one too. I can just see using some big bright colors and some big stitching. May have to take a trip to get some thread.

Not that I don't have enough to do as it is. I am taking the afternoon off to go knit on my socks. These are on a deadline and my Loopy Academy (yarn and fabric) will be here shortly so that will be 6 more projects to do.

Have a great day and smile YOU ARE BLESSED.

Michelle



01 February 2016

Design Wall Feb. 1, 2016

It's a finish.

I quilted minimally this morning and just finished machine sewing the binding down. I originally had planned on more intricate quilting, or should I say just more straight line quilting in between the rows, but I changed my mind.

This is the quilt for my March Pre-cut Party. It is made with a Tonga 6-pack. Batiks are really not my cup of tea but this will become a gift for someone.

The backing -  I used stash. Went to by 10.5" cut square drawer and just pulled those puppies out of there. They don't necessarily match the front but it is stash used and looks like a two sided quilt. Which is a win win for me.

I machine sew quite a few bindings on. I save the hand sewn ones for smaller quilts and special ones. My hands have a hard time binding.

Minimal quilting but done.


Stash used on the back.


Since it is a snow day for everyone else but just an off day for me I will go sew and make the boys cook dinner and shovel. Sounds like a plan.

For more design wall goodies head on over to Judy's.

Michelle

31 January 2016

Stash Report 3 - January 26, 2016

I didn't do a stash report last week - didn't have anything to show for it but I am on a mini roll this week.

I finished the top with my Tonga 6 pack = 6"x20 fabrics = 3.34 yds



Fabric Used this Week: 3.34 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 24.92 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Fabric for 2016: 24.92 yards used


I also finished my Addicted to Sock Knitting (ASK) socks. Hornet pattern. So that used a whopping 400 yards.

Yarn Used this Week: 400 yards

Yarn Used year to Date: 1000 yards
Yarn Added this Week: 0 yards
Yarn Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Yarn for 2016: 1000 yards used

I know it will be another couple of weeks before the numbers move on the knitting side but maybe I can pick up the speed on the sewing side. We shall see.

For more usage head on over to Judy's - you may get some inspiration.

26 January 2016

A Quick Top

I love it when I can start and finish a project in less than a day. Well, almost, it still needs to be quilted.

This is or my Pre-cut class in March. It was already cut so I just had to sew on both sides and then use the Strip-tube Ruler to get cut my triangles, which really are half-square triangles. Trim off the dog ears. Then the hardest part was deciding on a layout.

All the HST's pressed to the light.

First 5 rows laid out. I did 2 sets of 5 so it wasn't as confusing.

On the design wall. 

Quilt measures about 40x50. I will not put a border on.

I would love to do this again with smaller strips - these were 6" which made a 5.5" block. I would love either a 3.5" or even a 2" strip. It would be totally awesome.

So, progress made. I am almost done with another applique piece and just have the toe to finish on the second sock so a pair will be done shortly.

Good thing too. My stash numbers were looking a little humble.

Have an awesome day.

Michelle


18 January 2016

Design Wall January 18,2016

I started an applique project. It is really hard to take time to do it since I am usually knitting or my hands can't do it for a long period of time. I really do enjoy it though.

I prepped this block last week and finished it Saturday night. I now have to prep the next one (note...cut back on the glue).



The fabric is from Little House on the Prairie and the pattern is from one of Kim Diehl's books. I have 3 more sections to do like this one and then I can put the quilt together.

I need to hurry up. I already have my next applique project planned.

Head on over to Judy's for more inspiration.

Off to prep....I hope.

Michelle


15 January 2016

On the Needles Jan 15, 2016

Not a bunch of stuff has been done this week. Trying to get back into the groove of working.

I spent all day New Years Eve trying to master two at a time cuff down on magic loop. It was not a success. I posted in one of my Facebook groups (Addicted to sock knitting) and someone suggested trying one at a time. Why I didn't think of that who knows! So that is what I did. I mastered the cuff then realized my gauge is way different. So I frogged and used a smaller needle and I have success.

I am doing these at the same time. I am just using to different needles and rotating around. Harder way to do it but I will get them done close to the same time. I really am like the magic loop, of course I haven't done the heel or anything yet. They are Inversibles, one will be more purple the other more turquoise.

The Hornet. I am just a couple of inches away from the toe. Last night I was cruising along and ended up with a rats nest from here to next week. I tried as hard as I could but alas I had to cut the yarn. Thank goodness it was as the beginning of the round. I ended up spending close to 2 hours untangling the mess and I never did find the other end. I ended up cutting off the last small knotted area. Clueless as to how it happened since the stinking cake was in a ziplock back. Oh well I will get back to these soon. 

My goal was to finish a pair by the end of the month but I don't know if that will happen. I am slow and with the socks that have a pattern on them I really have to concentrate especially if it is a larger pattern. The Hornet socks is a 9 row repeat and therefore I have to concentrate. Hopefully I can finish this one this weekend and start the next one. Still have a little time left in the month. I can only hope.

Although, all this sock knitting means nothing else is getting done. I need more hands.

Head on over to Judy's for more ideas.

Michelle

10 January 2016

Stash Report 2 - January 10, 2015

I was on a roll this week.

Prairie 8th Grade Quilt - 1.25 Outer Border, 3.625 Background and sashing, 2.08 layer cake (30 squares) = 6.96 yards used 

Plain and Fancy - Complete Top 15.25 yds (but I think that is really high so I am taking a few yards off) So I will use 12.00 plus backing was 2 5/8. = 14 5/8 used.


Fabric Used this Week: 21.58 yards

Fabric Used year to Date: 21.58 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Fabric for 2016: 21.58 yards used



I finally finished the pair of socks I started in Sept of 14. It only took me about a month to finish the first one. The second one...well I finished it on Jan 8, 16. That is all I will say.
Yarn Used this Week: 400 yards

Yarn Used year to Date: 600 yards
Yarn Added this Week: 0 yards
Yarn Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Yarn for 2016: 600 yards used

Head on over to Judy's for more.

08 January 2016

On the Needles Jan 8, 2016

I have way to many things on my needles. I really need to knit faster. I have more projects than time.

These are my DVD socks. They have been on the needles for over 2 years I think. I have a couple more rows then I can do the toe. Here is hoping I can finish them before Sunday. Yarn is Desert Vista Dyeworks (DVD) and I don't remember the colorway.

One of my Facebook groups ASK - Addicted to Sock Knitting - has a challenge. Knit one pair of socks per month out of your stash yarn. Only requirement is the leg needs to be 4 inches. I received this pattern last year and for the life of my I couldn't get it. Fast forward a year and I am now doing it. I don't know if I will get them done in the month but I am trying. I am just slow and if I concentrate on the socks I get nothing else done. Of course with this poor thing I may have ripped back almost as much as I have knit. I have 2 more repeats and it will be ready to turn. Pattern is Hornet and can be found on Ravelry. Color is actually more of a blue than this purple.

Finally, my Easy shawl (Ravelry as well). This pattern is really simple and I work on this at Dr's appt or when I just don't want to think or pay attention. The yarn slips my mind right now. I need to weight it, after half is used I need to change direction.

Here is hoping I can get more finished soon. I have a complete basket of stuff on my bucket list for this year. I will have to show you in another post.

For more idea head on over to Judy's.


Michelle - freezing in Colorado.