Monday, February 19, 2018

We All Grow Better with Love

Another finish for 2018!


Aw. I decided it was a good time to make a little something for me. This has been a lot of fun to work on while watching Pixar's UP and The Incredibles with Steve.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I can't find the original book to credit the designer, but that really cute hanger was found in the knitting department at Hobby Lobby for just a few dollars.


Monday, February 12, 2018

I Stitch Club: January

Woo Hoo! I love them!

I joined Gail Pan's I Stitch Club in January. Starting a few days late, I completed these three beauties right before the next ones are due to come out. 



Each month Gail releases three patterns plus a bonus project, and I've decided to do mine in a variegated gray and yellow floss.




What's with the border ink? These blocks are either supposed to be appliqued in the shape of a tag on a dark background or the border embroidered with added sashing. I'm holding off until we get further along the project.

Stay tuned! Next patters released tomorrow or Wednesday.

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Embroidery Cat


Is it me?



Steve's daughter has moved into her own place, which she's renting with friends. She has decided to decorate her place with objects d' art that represent her loved ones. From her father, she has a collage of selfies, each trying to "out funny face" the other! They are a hoot and spend WAY too long at it!



From me she wanted a mini-quilt. If it's me, it would have to be embroidered. 

I thought a fat cat ready for adventure would be fitting

Do you see my gray fur?  I didn't design the pattern - it's from Anni Downs's Simply Pleasures book. And, typical of me, I had to over-complicate it - there are 8 unique stitches in this 4" square.



The toughest part was how to finish it. I didn't want to do a fake binding but binding it traditionally had its own challenges. To prevent slippage (since I'm not quilting it), I drew a line 1/8" smaller than it's final size and stitched all three layers together. 



Trimmed up, I can new sew the binding on - it's 1/4" seam will cover the stay stitching.


I'm using Sewn Into the Fabric's bias binding technique -- easily create a small strip of bias binding from a 10" square. This is the same technique I used with my Dad's stocking last year.


Quirky, joyous, and done! I hope Brenna likes it!


Saturday, January 6, 2018

First Finish of 2018


Tomte (n): In Swedish folklore, a sprite usually attributed to mischief.

I now have my very own tomte.