Stripping for 10 1/2 Inches

I seem to have stalled on my colorwork mittens and my spinning.  This guy needs a thumb.

I did however do lots of stripping and started on the 10 1/2 blocks for the Kite Flight Quilt kit I purchased from Craftsy.  I also completed 4 more Block of the Month 2012 class blocks.

The bottom two blocks were done using English paper piecing. I used the Neimeyer technique I found on You Tube. It worked wonderfully. I don't think more intricate pieced patterns would be much fun, but large ones like these were a breeze.

Last but not least. I finally started my Three Billy Goats Gruff cross stitch from the Prairie School.

More Blocks

I completed a few more blocks for the Block of the Month 2012 Quilt.  The Wonky Log Cabin came out a little too wonky.  The angles did not line up and there are puckers.  I don't like the block enough to redo it.  The envelope block will replace this one in the 20 block scheme.  I ordered the batting.  I only have 8 more blocks to sew.  I also ordered the Dresden tool.  I started to go with the cardboard cutout, but I love the Dresden plate blocks and would like to make an entire quilt in that pattern so I went ahead and invested in the template.

Octagon Block

Greek Cross Block

Log Cabin Block

Wonky Log Cabin Block - fail

I need to try to squeeze in some more spinning. Now that I have a plan for the solid/semi-solids I am spinning, I want to get them done.

Gale's Art Coffee BFL

Busy Weekend

Busy weekend.  Lots of chores, and sports - Boo Niners, Boo Serena, yay for athletes that made the Olympic ski teams.  I finished some more spinning and plying.  I am hatching an idea for the solid colored handspun yarns I am making, the striped handspun sweater from KnittySpin (http://knitty.com/ISSUEw12/KSPATTlessismore.php).

Abstract Fibers BFL in Red

Alchemy Fibre Arts Superwash Merino in SWM548 and SWM572  Not for the sweater, but still pretty.

Carly & Ewe CorrieX in Copper

I finally assembled the mug rugs and sewing machine cover I cut out last week. I love them, and I am using them already. I appliqued the machine cover, which was tedious, but I like the end result.

I made noticeable progress on the Aqueduct Mittens I recently cast on.

Paper Piecing Oy!

I completed the next two blocks in the Craftsy BOM 2012 class.  The technique was English Paper Piecing; not a fan.  I did not enjoy the process of making the templates, basting the fabric to them, or sewing the hexagons together.  The cutting was the easiest step - for a change.

Also, the square in the class was just two rows of hexagons in a row on the background fabric.  I did not like that at all.  One of the previous students made a flower instead, I quite liked that and copied the idea.

I am making progress on the Arm Candy sweater.  I have completed the first series of decreases for the waist shaping.

I found this block in a book.  I am going to make one for my quilt.  I am sure there will be a block that I will want to replace with something more my taste.  This block reminds me of the Griffin and Sabine books my friend Alison sent me when she lived in England.

I finished spinning the CorrieX from Carly & Ewe. Very rustic.  The singles on the Woolee Winder bobbin look so neat and pristine.  The regular bobbin looks fuller and fluffier.

Farewell Wickerbottom and Wilson 3

Clearing the decks on two old Don't Starve games from Dec. 2013.  Suicide by tentacle spikes for Wickerbottom and suicide by hounds for Wilson 3.  I am keeping the other two Wilson games going.  I love the camps I have created for them, and there is lots of mischief Wilson can stir up in those two worlds.

 Farewell Wilson 3

 Farewell Wickerbottom

Blocking Right Along

I am continuing to enjoy the Craftsy BOM Class. I completed the two blocks from the March 2012 class. I came up 1/4 inch short on one of them and had to re-do it. I did get more of the Kona Snow background fabric for backup. So far I have come up slightly short of 12 1/2" square on two blocks. I will use those blocks in a crazy quilt at some point in the future.

Some of my Craftsy classmates had mentioned cutting the piecing squares larger, I wish I had read the notes before I started the block. I will make sure I read the notes for each block from now on. They would have saved me some time and fabric on this block.

I am turning the heel on the Mojo Light sock. I really like this pattern. I can't wait to finish the pair and wear them.

Baby Gifts and Quilting

I am really enjoying the Craftsy Block of the Month 2012 class.  I have completed the blocks slated for January and February.  What I have learned so far: (1) cutting is not as easy as it seems and (2) you spend way more time with your iron than you do with your sewing machine.  I have already had to order additional background fabric, Kona Cotton in Snow.  One of my blocks just missed the required 12 1/2" square measurements and I had to redo it.  I am sure it won't be the last time that happens so I am looking ahead.

I also finished the bear I was making for Leon.  So together with the Little Knight hat, his baby gift for his friend is done.  I finished a bag for a giveaway and a thank you gift.  I will post pictures of them after they reach the recipients.

I finally cast on my Amy Herzog sweater for the SSK 2014 KAL #1.  The pattern was gifted to me by Jadee of the Twisted Strands podcast.  The yarn I am using has been in my stash since 2008  8-/  I am so glad to finally use it.  It is Karabella Aurora 8 in the violet colorway.

Pretty Blue Knitting

Chores took up much of my day yesterday but I did knit the Little Knight hat for Leon and first thing this morning I cast on a new sock project. I dug deep into my stash and found this beautiful 3 Ewes Twisted in Fiber self striping Ewephoric Sock yarn. Unfortunately this yarn base is no longer available. It is a great yarn and a pleasure to knit with, but the real thrill is the deeply saturated colors.

No Lollygagging

My Comfy Throw is coming along nicely. I am using Knit Picks Comfy in Whisker, Marlin, Sea Foam and White. Although the yarn is primarily pima cotton, it is not a bother to knit with. The yarn is very soft and slides well on metal needles.

I finished my Skyrim cross stitch - No Lollygaggin. I will wash and iron it when I purchase a frame. I have begun another cross-stitch project which is a gift for a friend. I won't be posting any pictures of it until she has received it.

I am looking forward to starting my Craftsy Quilt classes. I have two different quilt kits that I will be working on throughout 2014. The multi colored kit is for the Block of the Month 2012 class and the Jelly Roll with Navy and Red fabric is for the Kite Flight Quilt.

2014

Happy New Year

I for one am very glad that the year 2013 is done and gone.  It was like a year long Friday the 13th for the majority of the year.  I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging 2014.  I am learning to sew, which has definitely been a challenge.  I have taken two free Craftsy classes and completed all of the projects.  The small success I had with those projects has encouraged me to try a quilt.  I am going to start with the free Block of the Month class and then try a traditional quilt class when I complete that project.

I am starting the year out with three KALS.  
***  Amy Herzog Sweater Pattern for the first SSK 2014 KAL and the Knits N Things Podcast KAL.
***  Colorwork Mittens for the Knitting Blooms KAL