Goodies, goodies, and a few wips

I knew the song lyric thing had to end sometime -- looks like this post is it. I do still have some older projects to share, but all this nostalgia is reminding me that I need to show you the new stuff I bought and am working on.

First up, the goodies I purchased while I was in New Mexico. Mom isn't a quilter, but she does knit. Given my recent knitting jag, I had to hit the local yarn shop, Unravel. They've got some absolutely lovely yarns and super friendly service. In addition to yarns and other knitting goodies, they also have some embroidery and other needlecraft supplies. Since I had limited space in my suitcase, and wallet, I was good. Just these two skeins of cotton/alpaca mix yarns and some stitchery transfers/patterns. I do love those Sublime Stitching patterns -- one is just words and an alphabet, but the other has cobwebs, and gravestones. I'm thinking Halloween here folks. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm thinking my husband would get a real kick out of something from these. In fact, his birthday is coming up....

I also picked these up at the same shop. Two Shashiko (Japanese quilting design) kits and thread. I actually had managed to walk out of the shop without these lovelies -- then I couldn't stop talking about them to my mother. Yeah, I went back. I had to. One is a set of fans, and the other is dragonflies. I really can't wait to try these out, though, the instructions are in Japanese. Hmmnnn...I also can't decide whether or not to do it with a backing or just treat it as a single layer embroidery...I'll figure it out eventually. (Unravel doesn't have an online ordering site -- but, I did find the same kits online here, not that I would try and convince others to join in my madness).

And wouldn't you just know, there is a quilt shop right across the courtyard from the knit shop? Don't you hate it when that happens? Organ Mountain Quilt Shop has a lovely selection of fabrics, notions, books and patterns. I was drooling over their wall 'o Batiks as well as some of the full collections from Moda and Robert Kaufman they carry. Oh my. But, again, I was soooooo good. I only walked out with one little quilt book (on sale for 20% off!) and one little 1/2 yard of fabric. I know, I wasn't sick -- just, well, I knew how much room I left myself in my suitcase. And how many projects I currently have going at home (which I think has more to do with it). I actually have a book review planned for this book (but, hey, it came home with me so that tells you something right there) so I'm not going to say much about it now.

While I was at Mom's I did get some work done. When I was packing, my biggest worry was what to bring on the plane with me to work on. Yeah, I know, I should have been thinking about clothes and stuff -- but, well, I knew I'd have some serious waiting around time. There was the three hour flight, surgery, hanging around at home while Mom was sleeping off anesthesia, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't have any quilting/embroidery handwork prepped, but oh my, I did take some knitting. I already showed you the mitt I finished (which still needs its mate), but I did do some other stuff. I brought Miss Tinkerbell's pink and purple with me and all of the knitting is done. I still need to seam up the other side, get some ribbons for the ties and make the skirt, but, hey, it's for her birthday. I have time.

I also may have raided, borrowed, looked through Mom's yarn stash and got permission to take some lovely cotton yarn she had. I may have also had a look through her patterns and found one that would be perfect for said yarn. And, since I happened to have the right sized needles with me, I may have cast on a sweater for my daughter. And well, since it's easy and fun, I may have gotten a whole lot done on said sweater. Like, darned near 1/2 of it. It's a fun little wrap sweater from this book. It's the pattern on the cover. The pattern is actually for a 12 month size, but Miss Tinkerbell is so skinny, the width fits. So, I'm just making it a bit longer in the length. Since coming home I've finished one of the sleeves and I should have the other one done this week. I'm thinking this one is going to be a lovely little lightweight Easter sweater. I'm being optimistic that the weather will allow for a lightweight sweater for Easter (but I'm not gonna hold my breath).

I also got some great mail while I was gone. This was waiting for me when I got home. A lovely mini quilt from the Calico Cat. This is part of a private swap we're doing -- I still need to get hers out in the mail but it will be done this week. Oh yes. It will be done. (points for the movie reference for this one). I love the bright colors and the cat print in the border :0).

She also sent along a bunch of goodies including some star blocks that didn't make the cut and this little tin full of Moda Cinnamon Stars charms. I'm thinking the mini-quilt pattern in the tin is just about perfect and I feel another mini quilt coming on. Thanks so much!!!

And there was some fabric included to make her a mini-messenger bag like the one I made for my cousin for Christmas. So, that tutorial I was promising? It will be coming up shortly folks! And hey, it's a chance to play with this absolutely adorable Japanese fabric. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I can't wait to cut into this one -- it's just going to be fun!

I also found out when I got back that I had won a blog contest over at Wool and Company. Since I not only guessed the yarn, but also the pattern, I was the big winner. Ok, so I've done one scarf in that pattern and am working on another -- it isn't cheating. And, well, I've been in the shop often enough lately that I know they're in love with the new Noro sock yarns...still, it's just using my knowledge for good right? So, here's my winnings. A skein of each of the yarns used in the scarf and a pair of needles in the right size to make one of my own. Can I just say yummy? Of course, I should finish a few other projects first...but, oh, the temptation...

And speaking of finishes. I do have two to report. First up, the Bella quilt. I did get it quilted before I left -- but the binding had to wait until I got back. It's now hanging at the shop, and I have to say it's adorable. It also is one of those projects that looks like it took a heck of a lot more time than it really did (minus the getting sick, getting called out of town, etc.). This one is nothing more than fussy cut letters from the Lakehouse alphabet panel and charm squares straight out of the pack. Add a 1/4 yard of binding and some backing and you're set. The quilting is super simple, but the letters look like applique if you don't know about the panels. In fact, it fooled one of the shop employees for a second or two. A totally fun project and wouldn't it be adorable for a new baby?

I also finished this one (well, kinda, still needs the ends woven in) as a Valentine's present for my husband before I left. It's just a knit washcloth -- but, since he loved the Transformers when he was younger I just HAD to make it for him. He appreciated the humor and that I made it. So, way cool.

Oh, and one last thing (as if this post hasn't gone on long enough -- can you tell I'm still playing catch-up? I was only gone 5 days, you would think I would be caught up by now wouldn't you? yeah, that whole sick toddler thing when I got back kind of put a kink in the works) -- this is a teaser hint for another blogger. Nope, I'm gonna keep the soon to be finish a surprise, but I hope you like the hint!

That is sooooo much more than enough for now. Time for me to dig out my sewing area -- FINALLY! I'll take a before picture so you'll believe me when I say how messy my house gets (not to mention my sewing area if I don't police it pretty regularly). UGH. My kingdom for a cleaning service. Or a separate craft room -- yeah, that would be nice!

Adventures in Interloans

Alright -- enough folks said they would be interested in some library book reviews so I'm willing to do it. (I know -- such a hardship, read books, talk about them, I'll suffer through somehow). And since the weather outside is icky (enough with the snow already -- I need some spring!) it seems like the perfect time to talk about books for curling up with.


First up on our hit parade today is Comfort and Joy: 14 Quilts for Christmas by Mary Hickey. (That Patchwork Place, 2007, 111 p.. List price $27.95) This book is filled with some lovely ideas for Christmas decorations. The quilts and projects all tend to the wall hanging/table runner sizes, so if you are looking for a bed quilt -- not something you are going to find (though, adding blocks to a pattern is not difficult at all). I will say that I am tempted by a couple of the quilts. The Peppermint Patties quilt on pg. 42 and the Midnight Stars on p.83 make me smile and are patterns I could see playing with. Now, for the down side. These are all Christmas patterns. Yes, you can change the fabrics for some of them and have a quilt that is for any season, but many of the patterns are themed and/or created so that they are really only appropriate for one season. Nothing wrong with that -- but, look at the list price. Yep, for nearly $30.00 I want a bit more variety. Now, you can get this one on Amazon for less, which makes it more feasible. For me, this on is on my "if I see it for a bargain price I will pick it up -- but, otherwise I'm going to use it as inspiration" list. Its worth checking out. I may even be checking it out again -- just not sure it's going to go in my permanent collection.


Next up -- Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. (Potter Craft, 2007, 143p. List price $21.95) I should admit right off that I read Amy's blog Angry Chicken regularly. I like her ideas (am planing on stealing shamelessly her fantastic idea about a photo hanging thingy). I like her aesthetic. So, I was pretty much predisposed to like the book. And there are some great ideas in there -- some bags that I really want to make. A little smock that will get made for Miss Tinkerbell to go with her easel. And I'm not the only one interested in this book. I ordered it through interloans shortly after it was released in June. It was January before I got my hands on the library copy. 'Nuff said there. As for the down side on this one -- if you are a quilter and are looking for quilting? This book is NOT for you. Yes, there are a couple of quilts in it. Yes, they are kind of cute. No, it's nothing you can't figure out on your own and no, they are not the main focus of the book. The book is full of general sewing advice (some of it pretty basic -- but, always useful to have a general guide around) with not much of it aimed at the quilter per se. Some great bag ideas (and patterns) and a few other sewing gifts (placemats, coasters, etc.) but no -- this is not a quilt pattern book by a long shot. That being said, where does this rate on my "buy it or not" scale? Well -- um, there may be another copy downstairs already that does not have library coding on it. I did wait a bit -- but, the combo of a 40% off coupon at Borders and a Christmas gift card may have been more than I could handle. Just maybe mind you. :0)


And finally (for today at least -- I have a couple more quilting books to review and a whole stack more downstairs I'm getting to) for the knitters among us. The Knitter's Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes. (Potter Craft, 2007, 255p. List price $30.00) I wasn't too sure what I was getting when I ordered this one through interloans, but, hey -- yarn, a guide to choosing yarn? Why not. I'm sooo glad I did. This little gem is chock full of information about fiber types, their properties when knit, how they are spun, dyed and manufactured, etc. Added to this there is information on specific yarns (most of which I either want to touch for myself or have been looking up online) the author really recommends. Oh, and patterns. Yeah, there are some of those too (ok, you know I'm having fun reading the book if the patterns are an afterthought) -- they are organized by type of yarn starting with plys and moving on to some of the specialty/textured yarns. Some of the patterns are really cute and take advantage of the yarn properties -- but, really, this book is more about the yarn than about the patterns. Downside? Um -- well, that would be price. at $30.00 retail -- not going to be coming home to me anytime soon. (yes, I know, there is Amazon -- thank goodness for Amazon, but, well -- hey -- I like shopping locally too. And, well, I have gift certificates for Borders -- um, hard to spend those at Amazon) It is on my buy it relatively soon list though. It would be a great reference to add to a knitting collection.


Ok, so those are the reviews for now -- I've got two more books I really want to get to so I may add them to tomorrow's post. I also have some goodies in the mail as well as having done some of my patriotic duty (no, not voting -- follow the link) to talk about. Hope everyone is having a great week -- and if you're anywhere near the cornfields, hope you're not getting too snowed in! (have I mentioned that I really need some spring???)


PS -- what is up with blogger and spell check? I'm dying here -- I'm not a great speller, I NEED my spell check!

WIP it good...

Yep, repeating myself with musical references, but I had such fun finding out who was actually a closet (0r not so closet) Devo fan the last time :0).


Not a whole lot to report this week. I did get the mitts I was working on while waiting for the doctor done. Mostly. They still need the ends woven in. The knitting equivalent of hand sewing down the binding. I may get to that tonight though -- so, close enough to show on the blog. And no, they don't match -- that's the nature of working with verigated Noro for something like this. I actually like the look -- let's just hope my mil does too. She chose the yarn though, so, she should.


I also did manage to get some of the embroidery done on the four seasons swap. Yes, I know it's the 31st. I know it's past the deadline for mailing it. I did get an ok for an extension due to illness. I should get it out in the mail on Saturday. I hope. No later than Monday. And no, not much of a peek here. I'm hoping to have a bit of a surprise for my partner (not that I think she reads my blog -- but you never know).


Oh, and a recent purchase that I didn't show -- a small bottle of Retayne. Because, one of the fabrics from my winter swap has been leaving some nasty blue marks on my ironing board.




I think this fabric is the little bugger culprit, but I'm not positive. Since most of the pieces were smaller than I would prewash anyway -- um, well, hey. Ya play, sometimes you might pay. Not an attitude I'm happy about having to take with a swap piece -- but there it is. And yes, I'm also going out to get some color catchers too.


The last piece I have anything to show on is this one. A new shop sample out of the Cherry Baby line from Lakehouse. I do like this fabric (though, since I've been playing with it since October, um, I might need a bit of a break soon). This one is way cute. I have to think about making one for my own daughter (nope, sorry -- Bella is not Tink's name -- I do believe this one will be going to this cutie, scroll down to see Bella, when it is done being a shop sample). Super, super simple and quick to put together (which is why this is almost done but the apron I'm also working on isn't) -- a charm square pack and a panel of the alphabet letters and you are good to go. The only thing I had to cut out were the letters. Woo Hoo. Simple quilting on this one, a quick binding and it should be done!


You know -- despite the fact that this week feels like it has been singularly unproductive, I may have actually gotten a few things done. Hmmm...now, if I had taken pictures of the other knit project I cast on while I was confined to the couch, I'd probably really feel that way. Cool.


And finally -- a question for you folks. I mentioned in my last post that I bought a book that I had "previewed" by checking it out of the library first. I've been doing a lot of that lately. Not buying books (not that I don't want to -- just, well, my budget hasn't actually had room for new craft books unless I'm absolutely positive I want to make something out of them), checking them out of the library to see whether or not I want to buy them. Or, in some cases, if I want to hunt them down since they are now out of print.

And well, since I don't seem to believe in moderation when it comes to checking books out of the library, I'm starting to lose track of what it is I like, or don't like, about some of the things I've checked out. See? This is the current stack. And well, since I took this picture BEFORE I went to the library to get the interloans that had come in while I was still contagious, the stack may be just a bit bigger than this. I did return a few of them -- I did, but, well, I kept most. So -- where does the question come in? Would anyone be interested in seeing a "review" post every now and then? I can't promise how often -- but, I'm thinking if I put my thoughts about the books up on my blog it might help me remember which ones are "buy it, now", "buy it someday", "buy it if you see it on sale", "check out again later", "nice to have seen but you don't need to see it again" or "what a waste of time". Let me know -- I may do it anyway, but, would be nice if other folks found it useful too :0).


That's it for now -- now off to see if I can figure out what has been piled on my sewing table (kitchen table, whatever) while I was sick and unable to do much policing. Ugh -- I have to clean to be able to sew -- what's up with that?


** Note -- I am still unable to use spell check so, see previous disclaimer. Spelling is not my strong suit -- this is why I spell check the heck out of my work and usually have a dictionary at hand. Where my dictionary went to, I have no clue -- oh honey?!?

Goodies, Goodies

A couple of days of antibiotics do wonders for your outlook. Add in the fact that I can eat solid food again and the improvement in my blood sugar means my mood is drastically improved. Thanks to everyone who sent get well soon wishes -- and put up with my whining! So, now that I'm feeling human again I thought I would share some of the goodies I've been treating myself to lately. Some fabric goodies, a few knitting goodies, all thanks to some Christmas and birthday mad money -- wooo hooo!

First up -- a recent purchase with a lovely Christmas gift certificate. I love this house and laundry line fabric. No, it's not new. It's been out for awhile. Over a year at least. But, it makes me smile for some reason every time I see it. I have no idea why. I've been eyeing it for at least a year and I finally had an excuse to buy it.



And my excuse for getting it now? This ribbon. It also makes me smile for no apparent reason. I bought this to wrap my daughter's Christmas presents with (yes, she had pink presents -- but, the red polka dots went -- really). When I found out it was printed on both sides -- I went nuts. (ok, so I may have been nuts before then -- and it may have taken very little to amuse me at that point in the holiday season -- but seriously? how cute is this?) I knew I HAD to use it for some sort of sewing project -- so I made sure to snatch it as it was coming off of the gifts. (yes, I actually still have some on the roll as well -- but, hey, recycling here!) What I'm going to do with the combo I don't know exactly, I'm thinking bags of some sort -- but something. And soon!

And while I was snagging the house fabric, I also found this lonely little pattern hanging out in a clearance bin. $1.00. Can you believe that? $1.00. I don't so much care about the projects -- but the little stitchery patterns are adorable. And for that price? Oh yea, coming home with me! I also picked up some fusible fleece to make another mini-messenger bag soon, but, nothing all that interesting about white fluffy stuff.

This brings us to what I was going to blog about last weekend -- my Friday shopping spree. Before the plague hit -- I was able to go out and spend some of my mad money. Bwahahahaha.

First stop was Michael's for this book (whole story there about not having a 40% off coupon, being told where I could find one -- leaving the store to get it -- yes, I am that cheap frugal -- coming back without a coupon due to bad information -- and a store clerk giving me the discount anyway because I did try to get one).


Why this one? Well, I had checked it out at the library recently. Some really cute patterns, a few things I was kind of interested in but not sure enough to buy it. Then Miss Tinkerbell saw this pattern. Her reaction was a demand request for Mommy to make it for her, complete with color demands choices. What's a mother to do? Yeah -- we've already established that I bought the book right?



Yep -- and the next stop was the LYS. For the yarn. In pink and purple. As ordered. I'm such a sucker. Though, I have to admit -- when Tink saw the yarn she wanted to wrap herself up in it immediately. (forget that Mommy still needs to knit it) *sniff* I'm so darned proud of her. Of course, we'll neglect to mention that while I THOUGHT I had the right needles for this one, I don't -- so, I have to make another trip. But that's ok -- I have an order for some yarn from my aunt. Any excuse will do!



And, while I didn't get the needles for this project while I was there -- I did buy some needles for another project. And some more yarn (though, no photo of that, I'll have to take care of that later). I did get another knitting book with my birthday loot though -- a beautiful Debbi Bliss book. (thank you Borders and a 30% off coupon)



I have to admit the patterns in this one are wayyy a bit above my skill level. But -- oh, man. This one is just killing me. And, since the patterns go up to kids' sizes 8-10 years -- I might even be able to make one that will actually fit my daughter by the time I finish it. Maybe. Probably. Um, we'll see. It's at least inspiring eye candy.




And while I was already out and about -- well, why not a quick stop at a favorite LQS? (oh come now, a day spent shopping for crafty goodness and you think I didn't end up at a quilt shop? Please!) I will admit I was a bit restrained at the quilt shop though. Something about a basket full of projects I want to get to has been restraining me when it comes to fabric purchases lately. But, I did get this little goodie (and some muslin to back it with) -- I had such fun doing the last one I just had to have another one. More hand quilting -- wooo hooo! I can't believe I just said that -- um, no, I haven't been abducted by pod people, I really am excited about this. Cool, 'cause I can't wait to get this one sandwiched and started.



So, that's it for the goodies for right now. I do have some progress to share on some WIPs and an idea that I would like some feedback on, but this post is getting looooonnnggg. (I know, par for the course with me) I think I'll split it up a bit, so don't be surprised if you see a couple of posts in one day from me. Later!

PS -- sorry about any spelling errors in this one -- I usually do run spell check (knowing that I am a lousy speller and that I tend towards typos) but for some reason, blogger doesn't like it's spell check right now. Phooey.

A Quilter's Christmas

Before we head into 2008 I thought I would share some of the goodies Santa (aka Mom and family members) and others sent me during my mini-blog break. I've been truly spoiled this year in terms of crafting/quilting toys to play with!


First up is a wonderful coffee table book I won from Tracey over at Thee Handworks. It came in the mail the week before Christmas and I've been having so much fun reading through it. Of course, with a new book in the house I also had to tell myself to get back to my sewing! Thank you so much for this fabulous book!!! Now that the major crunch for Christmas is over, I'm looking forward to a few sessions curled on the couch with this one!


Another blog "win" that I just need to share is this one! I left a comment over at the Michael Miller fabrics blog Making It Fun, they decided to send something to everyone who commented so it was a double pleasure for me! These are "samples" (in quotes because to me 4 yards of anything is more than just a "sample") of the new trim lines they have coming out in January. Let me just say that the ruffled ric rac is just WAAAYYYYY too cute and I can't wait to find a project to use it in! And the bias tape? Oh my, this I can think of uses for too! (and just how did they know I love orange??) I'm thinking I'm in trouble when the full line comes out as well :0).



As for the goodies from family, oh my! I got this lovely trio from my Mom (along with some blades for the rotary cutter, some new needles for my machine, oh -- and since I didn't get a photo of it -- a new Rowenta professional iron!!! WOooo Hooooo!!!). I love the new rotary cutter (I've been wanting one since I first saw them over at Stashmaster's blog this fall) and I can't wait to test drive it! As for the embroidery scissors -- my old, falling apart, orange handled Fiskars have met their maker!


Mom also indulged my renewed knitty interests too (sorry if you only want quilty content but these yarns are going to be showing up again on my blog -- as well as a few others I need to post about!). I got this wonderful knitting carrier (and I may have bought Mom one as well in red) as well as the yarns and the new pair of addi turbos inside of it. Yummy, yummy.


That Koigu yarn is just so much fun to work with and I just couldn't resist casting on this on Christmas day. (ok, yes, I still have a purple sock to finish -- I know -- but I'm having second sock issues and I just couldn't resist this one. Especially since after my gift making frenzy of the past two months -- this one is self-indulgent in the extreme since it's for me!) I'm loving how this one is turning out!


If you were wondering what pattern it is, it's the chevron scarf from the Last Minute Knitted Gifts book I got for Christmas as well (along with its companion Patchwork book!!!). I love this book and I finally have my own copy (and can stop borrowing it from the library). Since this is the third project I've made from the book already -- I think it's a pretty sure investment!


I also got this yummy Noro yarn to make a pair of fingerless mitts from. Another project that is all for me that I can't wait to get started on! It's not as colorful as some of the Noro yarns -- but, ummm, can we say silk and cashmere??!!?? Oh yes, I can see my hands staying warm as I knit up and quilt up a storm this year!


And finally (at least for today) I also got this fun ball of white fluff with iridescent sparklies in it to try my hand at making some of these that I saw over at Trail Mix designs (and in the book -- but, seeing them made up really was the bug). I got the One Skein book as well for Christmas so I'm all set to whip up a few little cupcake goodies. These should be fun to make!


I did get a few other things for Christmas (pj's, the first season of Veronica Mars -- good for watching while knitting and/or sewing) and other assorted goodies though none really relating to crafting/sewing/quilting. I guess Santa appreciated all the time I spent in the sweat shop before Christmas! I am still trying to catch up on my blog reading and I have at least three more posts I've been plotting in my head! Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Year's celebration tonight -- me? I think I'm going to be playing with my new toys and thinking about taking down my Christmas decorations!

Short break for reading...

Like many of you, I took a short break from sewing this weekend to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Nope, no spoilers here -- but can I just say WOW?? And, admit to a tiny bit of sadness that Harry's saga is done. I've been reading these books since shortly before the second book came out. I can mark certain life events by what was happening when the books were released. Including the first midnight release I attended for Goblet of Fire -- the night before I had to pick up my aunt at the airport to help my parents move several thousand miles away. And The Half-Blood Prince -- precisely 20 days after the birth of my daughter -- and me taking her, in her carrier, to get my book at midnight. So many memories, not only of the characters but of my life reading the books. *sigh* Oh well, I still have one fun part left. I've read the American version -- now to get my hands on a British edition to round out THAT collection. (um, and yes, I have paper back versions for the American ones as well -- ok, so I may be a bit obsessive about my HP books!)

So, now it's back to sewing and working on my Bleeker Street fabric quilt. I'm almost done. By the end of the day (even before that really) I should have a flimsy to report. Wooo Hooo! In the meantime -- one more hint :0). I know, I'm being a stinker on this one! But really -- I'm having a ton of fun with this one and I can't wait to show it all together. Until then -- have a great day!