First Day of School!

Well, we made it through the first day of school with a totally different time schedule. We changed from a 7:25 am starting time ending at 2:15 to 8:15 am ending at 3:10.  I don't think I have been on that kind of schedule since I was a student in the 70's.  I will have more time in the morning because I plan to continue arriving at the earlier time to avoid traffic.  It will make the day seem longer since the student activity period won't end until 4:15.

It's a bit of an adjustment, but we will persevere.

I am starting a mobius shawl for my sister.  The pattern calls for "superfine" yarn with a 2 on the little yarn code.  The only size 2 I found listed itself as "fine," not superfine.  So, I looked at the yardage per ounce and ended up getting one ball of superfine with size of 1 because it was closest.  The pattern calls for a size "L" Tunisian crochet hook, which seems to be REALLY big for the yarn 'cause it is really skinny.  I guess the only way I will know for sure is to do a gauge swatch.

I'm on a Roll!

Trying to get some of those pesky projects done before back to school next week.  Would you believe the kids start on the 16th?  What happened to summer vacation?

I remember why I never really got into needlepoint--other than something we did as a 6th grade class project a few years ago.  Too much work!  I bet I spent an hour misting, pulling and tugging to get this formerly diamond-shaped thing into something resembling a square.

I like counted cross-stitch so much better.  You only have to do the design--not the whole background...and no pesky blocking when you get done.

This is a beautiful piece I promised to block and sew into a pillow months ago.  I've had all the stuff, just put off the blocking part.  As I had not done this in a very long time, I got out my copy of The Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts for a quick review.  Do you know I could not find a YouTube video on this?  What's the world coming to?   If I did it more often, maybe I would make one?

Anyway, this pillow top is called "Klimt Chocolate," by Candace Bahouth.  The vibrant colors have been enhanced with gold metallic thread.  It was stitched by a dear, recently retired colleague, Helen, who I have thoroughly enjoyed working with for many years.  I miss our Critical Friends group.

When it's finally dried and sewn, I'll post the finished project.

TTFN,
Vickie

New Artist Blog I Love!

Two posts in one day?  You're kidding!
I just wanted to pass on the link to an artist/blogger I just found out about--Nina Paley.  Check out her cartoons and her quilting.  Both are amazing!
http://blog.ninapaley.com/

Thank you,  Leah Day for turning me on to this great artist.

They're finished!

Finally!  I finished a cute sweater/hat set for my sweet little grand-niece miss Sophie.  The goal was to get it done before she outgrew it--LOL. And I think I've just made it.


The pattern is Shell Stitch Baby Set from Red Heart Yarns, Crochet Made Easy.  The pattern suggested Mint and White baby yarn.  I tried a variegated baby yarn at first and had quite a bit done;  and though, I usually love variegated yarns, I hated this one.  Way too much white and then a teeny bit of color.  White for a baby?  Not always the best choice.

Instead, I used Caron Simply Soft in "Watermelon" for the main color.  I love bright pinks, and so does Sophie (well, Andi, her mom does most of the color choices at this point).  I also found some really cute La Mode flower-shaped buttons.  The pattern called for 5 buttons, but I like the look of only 3 for this particular sweater.


Don't you love the buttons?

The hat was a quick one to make.  It's crocheted flat.  I was wondering how it was ever going to all scrunch up at the top, but I learned a new stitch, 2 single crochets stitched together (sc2tog).  Actually, I think I did that kind of stitch in my former crocheting days eons ago. Imagine going from 60 stitches to 8 in just 3 rows.  Amazing, but it worked.

TTFN,

Vickie

Last Gasp of Summer Vacation!

Well, with less than a week before I have to be back to beginning of the year teacher meetings, I am working like crazy to finish the crocheted sweater and hat I started in the spring for my grand-niece, little miss Sophie.  I just have to block the sweater and sew on the cute little flower-shaped buttons.  The hat is about one-quarter done, but it is a much small project, so it shouldn't take as long.


Pictures to follow!