Yarn Along

I am joining in on Ginny's Yarn Along.  It was actually seeing all of her beautiful knitting that finally clinched it for me that I needed to learn.  I love all the lovely things she makes for her kids especially.  Now if only I didn't live in sunny California where winter is definitely the shortest season.

Right now I am working on a shawl that I hope to gift this Christmas.  Hope is the key word.  This pattern is And So Are You.  It is an easy pattern to memorize, but I have gotten to point in the shawl where every row seems so very, very long.  Why should that matter?  I don't know, but it does.  I guess I really do have the attention span of a gnat sometimes.  I am using Knit Picks Capretta yarn in Platinum.  It is a soft, barely gray color that I really like.  I love all things gray though.  I would probably choose some sort of gray or blue for all my projects if I could.  

Currently, the only thing I am consistently reading is this book for Advent, "Come, Lord Jesus". I found this book via Jessica's blog, and I am so glad that I did.  I was really looking for something inspiring for this Advent season, and this definitely hits the mark.  Her writing is uplifting and yet spurs you on to love a little more and try a little harder.

"Let these precious hours of Advent be given to wonder.  When we feel depressed by our faults, let us wonder that God can forgive us so much: let us be filled with wonder and praise that God goes on believing in us, hoping in us, and trusting that we will somehow yet realize his dream of us."

Quilt Blocks and a Book Recommendation!

I caught up today on all my blocks for the Summer Sampler Series.  Last night I worked on the Flower Garden Path block (the one in the bottom middle).  Kate had two different sets of directions- one using lots of HSTs and one using strips for the inside border.  She said they were about equally hard, and I can see why she said that.  I chose the second method because I liked the clean look, and it did look a little easier to me.  Of all my blocks though it has given me the biggest headache, and it is quite a bit wonky.  It doesn't look so bad when you put them all with the rest!  I might make it again, but for now I am calling it good!

 I also paper pieced for the first time!  I have been wanting to learn, and I was so excited to see Faith's instructions!  She really made it so easy, and my block came out well.  If you are looking to try paper piecing, definitely go take a look at her tutorial!  

I have enjoyed this quilt-a-long so much that I put on hold at the library The Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns by Barbara Brackman, which I know these ladies have used for their inspiration.  My husband picked it up for me yesterday and said it looked like the most boring book ever!  Say what?!  He explained there were no beautiful pictures.  True enough.  I explained that it was a history book and full of inspiration. ;0)

  

Barbara Brackman's book has a lot of different quilt blocks, but it really just shows you the blocks.  So, I thought I would also recommend this book, 501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks, for those looking for instructions.  I have owned this book for over a year, and I am constantly browsing this for new ideas!

I like this book because it has color versions of the blocks.  This helps me visualize and see where the pops of color should go.

However, it also has black and white versions of the blocks which is also sometimes helpful in providing more of a blank slate.  It  has instructions for cutting out several different sizes of blocks making this a useful book for those who like to make tiny doll quilts or giant bed quilts.   On some blocks the author will give ideas on switching out colors to change up the look of the block.  The author also provides some templates in the back of the book for certain blocks.  As the title suggests these are all quilt blocks that can be rotary cut.  So, the limitation to this book is there are no curves or paper pieced blocks.  However, it is perfect for those looking to get new inspiration and cutting instructions all in one spot! 

Do you have a quilt block book that you love?  Please share!  I will go put them on hold at the library. ;0)

My Folklore Bag

My local quilt shop was having a sale. Can't resist a sale. I some of the Authentic line and knew I needed some for a new bag. I wanted a tote, and I wanted pleats. I started browsing for ideas online and in my stash, and nothing was exactly what I was looking for. We spent an evening at Barnes and Noble and had a couple of hot little gift cards in our hands. I spotted the "One Yard Wonders" book and put it in my stack. This book is chock full of different patterns. Some of them more interesting than others, of course. There are a lot of child and baby oriented patterns, but I like that. I have little kids. The bag patterns look solid and not just your basic totes and messenger bag patterns. It definitely has a nice variety of small patterns that would make great gifts, and a lot of them don't even need a whole yard. Anyway, it was the Folklore Bag that really caught my eye. The pattern went together well. I didn't like how she had you attach the top, so I did it my way and my new Authentic bag was born.... In fact, I like it so much I ordered more and hoping that soon my new Authentic quilt will be born. *grin*

Stitch

Erica's sent me a birthday coupon, so last weekend I went browsing. I have bought so much fabric lately that I couldn't justify getting more. Then I caught sight of the new issue of Stitch. I loved the last issue, and this one is just as much fun! Look what pattern made it to their Summer Picks- the Mail Sack! Check my shop if you are interested.

I love this zigzag apron! I love the a-line shape of the apron as well.

I have to admit- I think a serger is coming my way this Mother's Day. I am so excited. I can't wait for all the new possibilities this will open up in my sewing endeavors. I think this knit dress would be a great project to try out! I love the simplicity of it.

I have also stocked the shop with some new vintage linens. Lots of pretty prints!

California here we come...

You have to have a new bag for a trip, right? Trick is to decide what you are going to make. I decided on the Lots of Pockets Tote by Keyka Lou. I love it. It was super easy to make The front pockets look tricky, but it was really quite simple. The only thing I would have changed is interfacing the back part of the pocket. The handles are attached from the pocket, and without interfacing it just doesn't feel as sturdy as it should.

I love these pockets! Perfect for your keys and cell phone.

New reading was also a necessity! I received Heather Ross's "Weekend Sewing" this week. Lots of cute stuff going on here. I am loving this shirt. It looks so comfy.

I think this dress is a must for the spring as well. I can't get my three year old to wear anything other than skirts and dresses (in the freezing cold!!), so I see a lot of skirt and dress sewing in my future.