Friday, December 31, 2010

Twitter Party!!


Join me at the Twitter Party being hosted by "Stitchin Heaven"!!! Where: Twitter Chat, When: Tonight at 10:00 p.m. Use hash tag: #SHPARTY. I here there will be prizes!!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

A Week in Weaving

Well, made the final plunge into the fiber world!! You can now add "weaving" to knitting, spinning, dying fiber and crocheting. I am now a true fiber-holic. I purchased and received my loom last week. I am a proud owner of a 25" Schacht Flip Rigid Heddle Loom with the stand.

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I have actually created woven items which are recognizable. Who knew that weaving would actually make me happy. Weaving on this loom is not like weaving "pot holders" in grade school. I will admit, I am looking forward to adventurous weaving escapades.Here are some pictures of what I have accomplished so far. Just remember, I am still learning-be gentle. A scarf:

Scarf Really Close Scarf Fringe Detail

Dishtowels

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My current WIP

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I'll keep you posted about my fiber journey. Til next time........

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Sunday, December 19, 2010

2011 Fiber Fanatic Frenzy

Just joined a 2011 spin-a-long group on Ravelry. The group name is "Sweater Spin 2011. I have several 10 oz bag of this Corriedale to spin. I purchased this fleece, 7 lbs. at MDS&W, May 2010. I sent the fleece out to Shari at Morro Fleece Works to be processed. I chose the pencil roving for processing. Once I get enough spun and plied, I will hand dye it. It will take all of 2011 to complete this process. As for what it will be; a pullover, vest, cardigan..I'll have to see.

TEXAS BOM




This is a pic of one of the BOM's that I have signed up for through Stitchin Heaven during the 2011. The pattern is named "Texas Our Texas". It include some history about the state and a bonus cooking recipe. Although I am a Virginian, I own I home in Texas. This is where I will retire. Love the weather in Central Texas. Go figure, I think I will do hand applique for the applique blocks. BTW, my other BOM is a "Baltimore Album"!! Hmmm can't wait for that one to start.

WEAVING

Last, but not least. I will now be entering the world of weaving!! Yes, yet another craft. I ordered a 25" Schacht Flip Loom from the Woolery. It should arrive before Christmas. Pictures to follow. Just so happens, starting Christmas Eve, I will not have to return to work until 10 January....do you see where I am going with this????

February Ladies Sweater

OH! Almost forgot!! I am also participating in the February Ladies weater KAL hosted by "The Knit Wits" podcast.

Check back often to check my progress of my 2011 Frenzy!! Do you think this is a bit much for one year??????? Let the insanity begin.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Add Borders & Quilt!

Disappearing 9-patch progress report. I have pieced all of the blocks and placed it on my design wall. Now, I have to decide what type of borders it wants. Hmmm, will have to let this one marinate for awhile. Here's the pic of the quilt.

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Gizmo, my assistant!!!

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Moving on, I have been seeing a lot of references related to "Mug Rugs". I have to admit, I had not heard of them before, so I researched. What a cute little quilt. It's fast and practical!!! Let me introduce you to my first "Mug Rug".

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Does this border work??

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Last but not least, my last minute knitting gift, a scarf, for my daughter is coming along. I am using size 8 needles, and a pattern with a drop stitch. This should be a very quick knit. I started it yesterday. Here is my progress:

NOT Fishnet Scarf

Til next time.....

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Status Report

It's been a dreary, rainy Sunday here in Northern VA. Taking time out to do a short post on the progress of my Disappearing 9-Patch Quilt. I hope I can piece the top, add borders by the next FNSI on December 17! My plan is to quilt the top at that time. It's an achievable goal since I am off from work the next 2 days!!! Here's a couple of pics:

Disappearing 9-patch Beginnings

9-Patch Design Wall

On the knitting front, as a last minute gift, I decided to knit a scarf for my daughter. With that said, I had just placed my quilt blocks on the design wall to get an idea of what the top was like. I then decided to get out the hank of Creatively Dye yarn that I had purchased. I saw this colorway and new it was for here. Her favorite colors are red, black and grey. This yarn was perfect
for her!

Nikki Fish Net Scarf

The pattern, Fish Net Scarf, was designed by a knitting guild member named Toni Lopi. I hope it is a quick knit! I have 12 days to "git her done".

Leaving you with a cute holiday pic:

Cute Holiday Trio

Til next time.........

Saturday, December 11, 2010

FNSI Projects

Update on the quilting I worked on during the Friday Night Sew In. I had a small, basket quilt I made and quilted a few months ago. The quilting was an attempt to practice my free motion quilting. For the sew in, I made and applied bias binding and completed the quilt.


Basket Top

FINISHED BASKET QUILT

I had some muslin and 30's fabric in my stash. I made "bow-tie" blocks. I still have a few more to go. I would like to have a total of 9 blocks.

30'S BOW-TIES

Finally, I cut 5" squares and used some 5" charm squares, chain pieced rows in hopes to make a disappearing 9-patch for the holidays. I hope to complete it during the next FNSI, 17 December.

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I pretty much pulled an all-nighter. Lucky I still have 3 more day off from work!

Friday, December 10, 2010

4 Days of Fabric and Fiber!!!!!!!

It's Friday, 4:30 p.m., the official start of my glorious 4 day weekend! My plans....quilting a Christmas wall hanging, spinning Corriedale and working on the body of my cardigan. Right now, I am having a nice cup of coffee,

Thursday, December 9, 2010

New Name!

I decided to rename my blog and url. With my upcoming endeavors for the new year, the name needed a change!! I think the name is very fitting for me, don't you think? The posts will still be all about fiber, fabric, friends, family and sometimesjust plian babbling.

If you haven't noticed, please check out the new donation button for "Seamed Up" in the left column. If you are a quilter, follow the blog and consider a donation... Just sayin'.

Stay tuned and see what I will be up to when the new year begins...............

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Sew In

Quick post about the "Friday Night Sew In" hosted by Handmade by Heidi. Click on the FNS button on the left for the link.....

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Hats, Swap, Promised Yarn

Wow!! I have finished my recent obligations. I made my post office run yesterday. I have completed and mailed my hats for soldiers, my quilted candle mat for the swap I participated in, and...I sent 5 skeins of of Svale yarn to a fellow knitter who needed the exact dye lot I had in my stash. It's been a busy couple of weeks for me. I have pics but I'll post them later. You never know who might be reading.

Now, for me..I am planning to make a lap quilt and a knitted item for each of my children, I have 3. I also would like to do the same of my 3 grandchildren. This decision came about because I am not getting any younger and would love to know that my children/grandchildren will have something made by me regardless of what's to come. When I begin this quest, I hope to document my progress of my process. I'll keep you updated and, see where this leads me.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

FNSI

It's been a while since my last post! What can I say, but life and other obligations get in the way. I am currently listening to "Sew-Stitch-Create" and catching up on blogs. Came across I blog, "Handmade by Heidi" and found a post for a Friday Night Sew-In. I thought I would sign up for it. It's November 19th...hoping it will help me focus on at least one project for the night. If interested, go by her blog and read all about it. She is listed in the blogs I follow and her button is in the left column.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Shenandoah Fiber Festival

Heading out to Berryville, VA for "fibery goodness" as Meghan puts it!!! I am sooo looking forward to this. I have not been in fiber overload since May!. I scoured the vendor list and discovered there is one there that also has "Quilt" in it. Can't see what they have. I hope it's a little of everything. I am quite sure I will have more to write and tweet about when I return home. I will take pics of my purchase.

Much more to come.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Not Much Going On

Didn't post on Saturday, 9/11. Just an entry to update those who follow. My work week was only three days, however, it felt longer than that I must say. I did get some of my "garage" knitting done. Garage knitting you may ask? I get about 20-30 minutes of knitting in while sitting in my car. I arrive at work, usually an hour before I need to be there. This is my early morning quiet time before my day begins. I am continuing to knit on "my secret" projects. I only have one more to go until I am finished.

Spinning: I haven't done any spinning this week. I still have to spin to complete yarn needed for my crochet border on my shawl. Maybe my spinning mojo will return soon.

Quilting: Ahh, quilting? Well, I am putting borders on a top in which I used a Moda jelly roll fabrics to piece. The border is solid and pieced. Photo of WIP to come. I am practicing my free motion quilting on small quilt sandwiches. Trying not to pull out the Handi Quilter. It takes time to set the system up. Since I don't have a dedicated room for it to remain up, it's not beneficial to me to set it up. So therefore, I am trying to become comfortable with free motion quilting. My projects are usually not bigger than lap size, especially know.

I did catch the latest episode of "The Quilted Cupcake" and hope to join her in her endeavors with her charity efforts. I have to post to her blog about my plans to participate.

Until next time.......

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Labor Day Weekend Progress

It's Labor Day weekend, time to chat about my progress or lack there of. Well not too much is going on. Oh yeah, I did buy myself a new laptop, MacBook Pro! I feel a ever so slight potential start of a new podcast. Hmmm, thinking hard about it. Once I get comfortable with my new toy. You see, I have been a "PC" girl the entire time. I also have to admit there is a little learning curve. Back to topic, I have been on leave for the past week and here's what I have accomplished.

Knitting/Spinning: My Lazy Daisy Mosswood shawl is 90% complete using my handspun. The pattern, Lazy Daisy Shawlette by OrangeFlowerThe finishing calls for a crochet border. I am in the process of spinning for "said" border. Just a little bit more on bobbin #2, then I can ply. Hopefully I will finish my shawl this week. Also on the needles-"Cornrow Socks" by Preita Salyer, a cuff down pattern.

Quilting:

I machine quilted my small basket quilt. My attempt at "free motion" quilting needs a lotta of practice, however, for me-it's not too bad. I will say, I wouldn't give it to anyone as a gift. I'll keep practicing my free motion quilting! Practice = improvement. On my design wall are blocks, that I have arranged for the "Spiral Stripes" quilt from the book, Jelly Roll Quilts. I'll take a second look, after a good nights sleep, to be sure that I like the arrangement of the blocks.

So until next week, for me, it's Just Fiber and Quilts.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Inside My "I Want To" List...

Do you ever wake up with a list of things you want to do already crowding your mind? Well, that would be me this morning around 4 a.m. Really, I am not kidding! There is not enough time in one day to accomplish what is swirling around up there. Here is just a sampling of what went on in my head this morning. I Want To:
-Go to my local quilt shop
-Do yard work
-Spin for my shawl border (crochet), which additionally requires plying, setting twist.
-Finish my shawl
-Quilt a small finished quilt top
-Start a new quilt top using the disappearing 9 patch block
-CO for a new pair of "toe up" socks
-Toying with the idea of podcasting..
Now, that is just a sampling of my want for today. I still have more!!! Can anyone tell me why and how I will find the time to do all of this today? Anyway, enough ranting. Oh, BTW, add cleaning at least one level of my house.

No project pics this week, however, I do have pics of what I use to produce my "artist renderings" of fiber and fabric! You have already met "Lil Gem".

Knitting:
As I wrote, I am a half row from binding off my shawl. I will just have the crochet border to complete. That will go really fast! I crochet a lot faster than I knit. Then, the hunt for a quick, mindless toe up sock pattern.


Knit Picks Needles/Hooks


Spinning:
Spinning my multicolor dyed corriedale fiber for the crochet border. That's about the extent of my spinning for this week.

Quilting:
Listening to Episode 5 of "The Off-Kilter Quilt". I just discovered the podcast and enjoying it very much. Frances has a very calm, pleasant voice.

As for my quilting, I will at the minimum get my little quilt sandwiched for quilting. I WILL start my disappearing 9 patch quilt. I hope to make it lap size. Cold weather will be here before you know it.

Viking DSE
Well, until next week..bye.

Oh, yeah!!! BTW, this is 3 weeks in a row!!! Jus Sayin'. Yay for me.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Sunny Saturday

Just want to say, I am glad it's the weekend. It was a very busy work week for me. Nuf said about work. The weekend is here and it's all about me and what I want to do. Yay!

To start my day off, I went to Lowe's, bought mulch, weeded the flower beds, spread the mulch and edged the grass by 8 a.m. Took the dog to the groomer which gave me some uninterrupted time to knit. By the way, none of this took place before I had my morning cup of coffee!

Now, about this knitting with handspun yarn....why didn't someone inform me of howe wonderful it was. This is my firt time knitting with handspun yarn and YEAH, it was yarn that I spun myself. How cool is that? Pics of my yarn and shawl in progress.."Lazy Daisy Shawlette" by OrangeFlower.

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Spinning, not so much this week. I have 4lbs of processed "Correidale" fleece to spin. My plan is to spin 1 oz at a time and put on bobbins for storage. I'll test my plan to see if that works! :-)

PinDrafted Corriedale

But firt, I have to complete spinning the batts that were processed, drum carded, and dyed with koolaid by me. It was my fist dyeing experience. Sorta messy but I was satisfied with the results.

1st Koolaid Dyed Corriedale

Quilting, what can I say about quilting? Well, I just ordered two (2) BOM's from Stitchin' Heaven" in TX that will start the end of the year. The BOM patterns are Baltimore Christmas and Texas Our Texas '10. Did I mention, I love hand applique?

Moving on, I finished a small Basket quilt top since my last post. I hope to get it quilted soon. I have another small quilt that I am going to start. More about that at another time.

Basket Top

Until I write again, next week I hope, Bye.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Rainy Day=Progress

Today, my inspiration is brought to you by a lazy rainy Sunday morning.

On the knitting front:
I decided to update my Ravelry notebook with some recent photos of what I have been working on. I have completed by "Slip Stitch Delight" socks by Terry L. Ross. I do wish I had the ball band for the yarn. I have no idea what yarn it is. I thought is was Socks That Rock light weight. One of my group members told me it wasn't spun tight enough for that yarn. So back in the land of unknown I went. I do like how they turned out!Must admit, I am still slow at knitting socks! Pic of completed socks:

Mystery  SS Delights

Spinning:
I spun 8 oz of Ms Babs merino/tussah silk/bamboo blend fiber. My initial attempt at plying was very, very loosely plied. I purchased "The Gently Art of Plying" by Judith MacKenzie, after watching, discovered I could reply my fiber. I have to admit, that didn't occur to me! Dah! I don't own a bobbin winder, so I used my trusty B&D drill. It worked like a charm I had 2 bobbins of spun singles I decided to ply together. They are two different colorways, I don't remember where I purchased them from, but I do know they are 100% wool. I REALLY have to work on my documentation! Here are some pics of my process and most recently completed yarn:

Ms Babs "Mosswood" Braid #2

TDF Road #2

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Quilting:
I have been a quilter since the late 80's and had not quilted since I started knitting in February 2009. Recently I was bitten by the quilt bug again after listening to a knitting podcaster who also sews and quilts. Soooo, I went to my messy craft room, dug through my "UFO's, pulled out some unfinished tops, found completed blocks that had not been put together and started sewing.

Here are some pics of my finished projects before knitting/spinning took over my life:
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Piecing_ Hand Applique

Non-Traditional Lone Star

Here are some of my UFO's:

1930's Irish Chain Patriotic Fused Applique

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An antique quilt and from my Designer SE (Viking) machine astitched embroidery design:
Antique Double Wedding Ring Scrub Nurse Embroidery (Lora Leigh Designs)

Enough rants for today. I have to now divide my time between three of my favorite creative outlets!!!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Blog Name Change

It's been awhile! Still haven't found a way to commit myself to "blogging" regularly. Between Ravelry, Twitter, work, knit night, life and downloading podcasts, it's been a challenge to say the least. Now, with all of that, I just discovered a "quilting" podcast through a knitting podcast. Guess what, my quilting desire is back. I have been quilting since the late 80's and this was my first love, until I met knitting about a year ago. Now, not only do I enjoy knitting and spinning, I am going to put quilting back in the mix! Crazy you say?? Not so much, just have to learn to manage my time more wisely. If this is not enough, I opened an Etsy shop. The name of the shop is "Just Fiber and Crafts". It's only holding my name and spot. Nothing is in it yet. It will be a "WIP" until I launch it. Hence, the name change of the blog!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Blogging Failure

Hi to those few who read my blog and thanks as well. My intent was to blog about my knitting and spinning journey as I go along. Also, I was suppose to blog every Saturday. Well, this is a Saturday and I am blogging, however, it's been about a month since my last!!! I will only say, I will blog when possible. Committing to a specific day seems to be bad "mojo" for me. So, when I blog I blog. It's a place for me to chat "out loud" about me. So there!

BTW, I am 98% sure I am going to purchase a "Fancy-Kitty" drum carder from Ron. If you have not seen it, there is a Rav group. Oh, also, I sent my 6.5lb correidale to Morrow Fleece Works for processing. (as recommended by Jasmine of the "Knitmore Girls") I did keep a little to process my self.

Have a "happy dance" Saturday!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

A Corriedale Tale

My first experience with processing a raw fleece has been somewhat, let's say, not what I expected. I purchased a fleece at MDS&W last weekend. It was 7lbs of Corriedale loveliness. I got praises from both Jasmin (Knitmoregirls) and Meghan (StitchIt). I was feeling very confident that this would be an easy process. How wrong was I!!!!!

Bag O Corriedale Corriedale

On Saturday, 8 May, I gathered my laundry bags, wooden spoon, Dawn dish detergent, measuring cup, and drying racks and headed to my lowest level of my house. I stuffed some fleece in my 3 mesh bags, zipped them closed, filled up my washer with hot water (anyway, I thought is was hot), added Dawn in the water. I then put my bags in and let them set for 18 minutes. Then is used the "spin only" cycle to drain the water, removed the fleece, filled it back up with water and rinse #1 accomplished. Repeated the rinse cycle again. I repeated the entire wash/rinse process a 2nd time. I then spread my fleece on my drying rack, covered them with netting, place them on my deck in the nice warm sunshine.

Fleece Washing Tools
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Then came evening. The fleece was dry!! Can't wait to spin it now. I changed bobbins on my Woolee Winder so that I could start on my new fleece. I was doing the happy dance. Put my leader on my bobbin, flicked a couple of locks-still a little lanolin present-but ok, I'll try anyway.
Just to say, it was not a pretty site. I was struggling with this fiber! It didn't want to draft, however, the lanolin felt good in my hand. Now, my dilemma, do I continue or rewash. Posted questions on a few boards on Ravelry, pm'd Meghan for her advice. I gave up spinning my Corriedale that night to start fresh on Sunday.

I was given a link to a blog that had some good information. The link is:

Today, I rewashed my fleece using a container with "Hot" water from the stove. I used a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water. I mad sure that the water was at a minimum of 140 F. I still spun the water out in my washer. I noticed that having the bag full of fiber, when it was washed most of the fiber was in the bottom of the bags. Next time I will definitely stuff more fiber in the bag. I will use on 2 bags instead of three. I plan on spinning the rewashed fiber tonight. I have to admit, I do feel a difference.

I hope to keep my Corriedale Tales up to date!