Pincha Shawl from Knitty

I don't know how many of you are aware of Knitty Magazine. It is the longest running free knitting magazine on the web. I always look forward to their issues. They have beautiful patterns from great knitters. I found this Pincha Shawl a while ago and always wanted to make it. The designer is Pinpilan Wangsai. This pattern was featured in their Spring-Summer 2016 issue. 

Here's my version! The weather got warmer and I started knitting! Makes total sense, right?? Anyways, it's a fun knit and not as hard as you may think. I think it's going to make a very interesting shawl for fall. I love items that are unique. I usually work on it while watching television. As long as the air conditioning is running!!

A New Scrap Project

I did it again! I started a new project! I have no idea why. However, I'm using up scraps so I decided it's okay! I found an old quilt along on Pinterest but I'm changing it up a bit! It's nice to be able to go through my stash and actually use it up. I'm not sure how large the quilt will be but this piece measures 24" square. 

I cut 64 squares to make the center square. This measures 16.5" X 16.5".

I added flying geese to each side.

I added flying geese to the 2 remaining sides as well as 2 half square triangles made of a solid fabric and more scrap squares.

There you have it! That's it so far. I have a million more squares to cut out. I've worked the last 3 days and haven't touched any sewing. Besides, it was so hot today! Our first day over 90 degrees! I sat on the deck and read for a little bit. It was a great way to unwind after work. 

Farmgirl Vintage Update FMQ

I finally started to quilt Farmgirl Vintage. I decided to quilt each block individually. I just couldn't do an allover pattern when each block is so unique. I've managed to quilt 4 blocks so far. This first picture is a variation of a bear paw. It was called Chicken Foot Block. I quilted arcs in the triangles and loops in the squares. I didn't decide ahead of time. I just sat down and tried to figure out what would work best.

I meandered around the chick in the Baby Chick Block. I outlined the heart as well as her little wing. I felt a little feather would be cute in her wing!!

 

I outlined the barn and windows in the Old Red Barn Block. I made little loops inside each patch and quilted clamshells in the background. 

I outlined each patch in Spring Star Block and meandered in the background.

These 4 blocks took very little time to quilt since they're only 6 inches square. I was planning on quilting more today but it's so warm. I sat outside and got some fresh air. It actually feels like summer! I couldn't resist since I'm working the next 3 days. I'm hoping to post more quilted blocks soon!!

Farmgirl Vintage Needs Quilting!!

Farmgirl Vintage is all set to be quilted! I spent Monday morning pin basting. So glad when that was done! My only problem is that I just can't decide how to quilt it! It's very much a sampler since each block is so very different. I had intended on custom quilting each block but am thinking twice about that now. Some blocks have a lot of open fabric. Each block is so very different from all the other blocks. I searched online for finished quilts and many were quilted with allover designs.

Here's the back. Isn't it the perfect fabric?? I really love it.

Anyways, getting back to the quilting, I was thinking of an allover design for the actual blocks but doing something different in the borders. Of course, I also have to figure out which allover design I'll be quilting. Too many decisions! I'm waiting for the quilt to "talk" to me but it's been very quiet! Guess I'll wait a little longer! Any ideas??? 

Mini Whole Cloth Quilt

I just finished this! I quilted it but also had to wash and dry it thanks to all the markings. I worked in all the loose threads as well. I decided on a 2 inch binding. I didn't think a thick binding would look good on such a small quilt. It's about 16 X 16.  I really love how it came out!

I used a purple air soluble marker for the grid. Those markings came out very easily. The blue markings were placed there by the manufacturer. I had to wash the quilt 2 times before the blue came off. I was worried I would always see a blue shadow but it all came out! 

This is such a fun project. I really enjoyed it and want to thank Jane Hauprich for making this mini whole cloth quilt part of her great class at MQX. I don't think I would have attempted this on my own.

Would love to make more! That's just what I need, more quilts to make!! 

Double Drunkard Path

This is the Double Drunkard Path block I made for Jen Kingwell's quilt, Green Tea and Sweet Beans. I have to make a total of 3 blocks. I love being able to use my scraps. However, I have limited experience sewing curves. The directions were to sew the large piece to the small piece in the middle. Then sew the lower rounded corner onto that piece. 

I didn't see how I was going to sew that tiny half-inch curve between these 2 pieces. I wanted it all to come out nice and even since each piece was going to be joined to other pieces to form this lovely circle. 

So, I did it my way! I made freezer paper patterns for the 2 large pieces. I made off the middle piece didn't exist. I made a new sewing line. I practiced sewing curves. It really wasn't too bad. I pinned the middles together as well as each end. I just tried to ease everything evenly while sewing. 

I then made a freezer paper pattern for that middle piece and used my applique skills to finish the block. It worked! This method proved easier for me. I think if I had more experience sewing curves, I would have been fine with the original directions. It's nice to have alternatives!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing everyone out there a Happy Mother's Day! Of course, I'm thinking of my mom all day today. I went to visit her a little earlier. I tried to shower her with gifts since she's always been so good to me. She always says I bought her too much but how can you ever repay what a mother does for you??

You just can't! This picture was taken this past Christmas. 

Here's my mom in Italy before she was even married. I used to play with that pocketbook in the picture. She was quite brave to get married and leave her home to start a new life in the United States.

She always put her family first and she still does. So lucky to have her as my mom!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you too!!

Mini Wholecloth

When I took my class with Jane Hauprich, she gave us a mini wholecloth to start in our class. I sewed over some of the straight lines as well as the hearts and marked loops. I wasn't really sure what to do with the rest of it. Since time has passed, I decided on quilting tiny little clamshells in the open areas inside the square. 

Here's a closeup of the clamshells. You can still make them out when you get up very close.

Jane added some feathers to those hearts which looks really pretty. I'm trying to decide what to do next! This is a great project to practice free motion quilting. I tend to get very close to the quilt so I can see what I'm doing! By the way, the blue lines will wash out when completed. This will be such a nice reminder of the class. It measures about 16 inches square.