Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Catching up with SKoW

The new Miss AGRR's quilt is finished and ready for delivery. I am very pleased how it turned out. I thought I had another month before the next baby was due, but my SIL tell me it's anytime this week! I'm right if it's a boy, but all indications are that it's another girl. I have dived back into my stash to see what I can come up with this time. I'm thinking of having another go at 'Square Dance' by Bits and Pieces. The last one I made with this pattern was quick and more importantly looked great.

My SKoW quilt has had to take a back seat to these baby quilts. This afternoon though, I was able to start cutting some of the little 1 and half inch squares needed. There are so many!!!!! Can't wait to start putting it together.
Yesterday, I got my letter from Kerry with the 'what to bring' list for GDITC and a small pincushion kit to make up for the swap.
Too many projects on the go, I think. Need to be a bit more organised and watch less TV.

Take Care everyone,
Kayly

Monday, February 20, 2012

Getting back in the groove.....

It's been just too hot lately to do much. That and I've have not had much enthusiasm for anything. I have started to feel more like it this last week.

Many years ago I did an adult community education class with Jill Lind. Jill once worked for Patons and knows everything about knitting and crocheting. She introduced me to broomstick and Tunisian crochet. I have wanted to make jumpers (Queensland speak for cardigans) for myself for ages. Mum has knitted beautiful jumpers for me over the years, but her arthritis stops her these days. Due to an odd arm, my knitting is painfully slow. Beanies, booties and tea cosies are my limit.

I love crochet, but until recently I only did d'oyles and handkerchief and towel edges.
I have been gathering books on Tunisian crochet. This method will give me a garment with the look of knitting but the ease of crocheting. So the purple thing in the photo below is the start of a shawl or mobius wrap. I shouted myself a set of Denise crochet hooks. The set has different tails and hooks that can be mixed and matched via a locking system on the ends. It is a fairly simple pattern and I can do it in front of the TV at night, when my eyes are not so good for stitching and my hands are not so sticky that the wool won't flow smoothly.

In the tin is the Chocolate block for my SAL SKoW quilt. I am far behind, but I will get there.
Below, pinned and ready for quilting, is the quilt top I made up to replace the 'too blue' one I mentioned in the last post. I am very happy with the way it turned out.

I am going to trial the basting method that uses slats of timber with the top and backing rolled onto them. My knees and back do not like me pinning the quilts on the tiled floor anymore.
Well I'm not going downstairs to quilt it now -too hot - over 30 degrees C still. I'll try in the early morning.

Take care everyone,
Kayly

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Baby Quilts

I didn't realise how long it had been since I last posted. The beginning of the year is a very busy time for me at work, but all is nearly settled now.
I have a dilemma. Another beautiful grandniece has arrived. I thought I would be able to finish off a little quilt I started last year when our patchwork group had a sewing day. We used the x-block ruler and book to make perfect baby quilts. Have a look here. I've just searched my blog to do the link and I'm surprised (shocked) to see it was October 2010 NOT 2011. Oops!
The one I was working on is a touch too blue, pretty but too blue. I confess I like pink for girls. So I have just turned out my fabric stash looking for something else. I think I found something just right.
I thought I would do a little collage of the baby quilts I have given away to family and friends. I must admit there are finished tops stashed away but not quilted.

I am looking forward to going again to Girls Day in the Country at Nundle in March. The countdown and stirring has already started. Sue Daley will be our tutor this year.
I'd better go the dishes are calling for a wash.
Take care,
Kayly