#17 - Something a little larger

Quilt inspired by Gee's Bend

Finishing a big project like this is always fun.  There is also the moment of reckoning when you get to see how what you made actually measures up to the idea you started with.  Sometime the idea evolves so much that I am pleased to see it took on a new direction.  Other-times I am accepting the work I produced, and happy with my novice skills on that project.
This is my first quilt.  And what fun.  I have felt I was on the edge of the quilt vortex, and any day would be sucked in and before long have a huge stash.  Instead though this project carried through the recycled denim jeans theme which has been with me for a while, and incorporated some red felt left over from a blanket last year.

Text detail

I think I am officially a quilter with this one though.  I notice that I first dreamt up the project.  Then I needed to find someone to give it too.  I think lots of quilters clothe their family with their work don't they?  So there is a 13th birthday here soon and this is the gift.

The words are spoken daily by Garrison Keillor on the Writer's Almanac.  He closes with them at the end of his daily post.

So, as I head off for a couple of weeks, be well, do good work and keep in touch.

#16

Another striped Barn Square, 17th one completed

What happens when you announce a plan out loud is people witness it, and keep you on track.  My little brother passed a comment a couple of weeks ago that things had gone quiet here - how's that!!  He is right . . . though as I am slightly ahead of schedule and working on a large project I remained relaxed.

And I had the 17th Barn Square on the needles at the time, lovely an striped one.  Slightly more blue than I expected, but fun anyway.

And I was on holiday so plans of crafting were put aside for a bit!  This weekend I fly to London, first time ever!  And in preparation I have managed to find the correct size of DPN to knit on the plane - yet to see if that actually happens.  This week has been full of lists of things to do, lists which seem to keep growing.  However Saturday night looms and once that plane lifts off, well anything not done is forgotten isn't it!

# 15

Barn Square # 16

Yes, yes another square!!
This one with some odd and sods sort of wool - the brown was slightly finer than required so I combined it with the end of something else - created the yellow stripe.

WIP Barn Raising Quilt

The pile is growing - 16 complete squares now.  Not that I want my life to be about counting off lists, but it is useful to have a measure of progress!
I am going to investigate plastic knitting needles which can be taken on aeroplanes as I do have a long flight soon and reckon I could knit en route.

Knitted Squares so far - Barn Raising Quilt

I received a message this week was a quote; go into your studio to find something rather than make something and chance us your friend.  Isn't that lovely, and for me, finding lots of bits and bobs, it is very apt.

The mystery of blocking barn squares.

Q I have been asked 'what is the round thing I use to block the squares?'
A Garden kneeling pad

Handy use for the reverse side of garden kneeler

I have marked out a square to make life easier - there are 42 of these in the quilt!
(Previously we had a supply of the foam pads from the trampoline - which once they all came off the trampoline have re-appeared in our life in many guises, many craft related uses . . .)

# 14

Tee Shirt Top

Tee short top detail

This tee shirt top has languished without it's hem for a while!  And what do you know? A half hour task to complete it.  Worn twice since finished - love it.

Sometimes making a tried an true pattern over again is rhythmic and easy - this is once of these patterns.  I have followed 100 Acts of Sewing where the essential base pattern stays the same, yet all the dresses are unique.

Another up side to doing more craft and sewing is the mending jobs flow across the work space very quickly at the moment, which is good for all the family.  Everyone is getting used to sharing their dining space with my small sewing studio set up more or less permanently!

# 13 (Half way there)

Butterick 6247

Texture weave to knit fabric - in green!

Last weekend I took and pile of fabric around to my friend Suzanne's house for a bit of pinning and planning.  She is a sewer extraordinaire, very productive in her output of finished ready to wear projects - perfect person for this task.  Home I returned with a plan for all the pieces of fabric in the bag, and the work began.

A couple of alterations have seen garments move back into the working wardrobe!  Two previously made, but never really worn garments have been unpicked ready for adjustments.

This top is a Butterick Pattern 6247 which I bought second hand once.  It makes a raglan sleeve knit top which is very easy.  I have rouched the sleeves a little.  The knit fabric is quite fine, handy extra (under) layer - in my favourite colour too!  (Actually I am  little alarmed to discover how many green clothes I own!!)

This project hits the half way mark so I'm feeling quite chuffed with how it is all going.  Unfortunately the reality is one piece of knit fabric does not an empty wardrobe make!  I have one 10 year old who is rather hoping his mother will one day clear out all her 'stuff' from his room!  But from little things big things grow . . .

# 12

Comfy Yoga pants

A change of direction here when I got out my overlocker.

Studio end of the family dining table

Actually found the half made pants in the cupboard and as it turned out I had a selection rib materials for the band. Once again these half finished pants have probably sat for at least 4 years!!
So, fired into action, I had another look in the cupboard and found a few bits and pieces.  All knit fabrics.

Bag of goodies

A beginning

So the overlocker is staying put for the moment. . . watch this space.