FO Friday - Cross Stitch Table Runner

I have an FO this week!  However, this one was completed by my mom.

I went through my craft studio several months ago and got rid of a bunch of stuff I didn't need, want, or things I felt I'd never get to.  I had a printed cross stitch table runner kit that someone had given to me for a wedding gift 25 years ago.  I always thought it would be fun to do but never got around to doing it.  When my mom saw that I was getting rid of it, she snapped it up.

I had no idea she'd been working on it until my birthday when she surprised me with the finished runner.

The kit even came with lace that my mom sewed on with a tiny vintage sewing machine she recently found.

It's a little wrinkled from being gift wrapped.

I probably should have ironed it for the photos.

This was such a sweet surprise!

FO Friday

Since I didn't blog for a while, I didn't do any FO (finished object) posts.  So, I've been trying to figure out what all I may have finished during my blogging break.  I'm not sure I'm remembering everything and there are some things that were made for Christmas gifts that I can't show just yet.  But, here are some things I've created over the past month or so...

If you've been following my blog for a while you might remember a sugar skull painting I did in a class with my daughter in July.  Shortly after finishing that, I got the idea to do a kitty version.  It turned out a little goofy and a little cute.  I'm trying not to focus on what I wish I'd done differently and just enjoy it.  I'm not really sure what I'll do with it but I do like the happy colors.

I had an idea early this year to make a tiny, lace shawl for a blog friend's puppet.  She took her puppet on trips and posted pictures of it on cruise ships and exotic places.  It just seemed like a fun idea.  I finally finished it up and made a matching pair of earrings and sent it off.  Sadly, the puppet got lost on one of her trips.  The last time she saw it was sticking out of her bag at an airport.  Oh well.  She liked the earrings and said she'll enjoy wearing them.  She might even make a new puppet that can someday enjoy this cute little set.

I hope I'm safe in sharing these next two projects.  I know that one of the recipients never goes online.  I don't think the other one will visit my blog.  Fingers crossed!

So many people have what they need and gifting is a challenge.  I figure I can't go wrong with nice kitchen towels and a little something handmade to personalize it and make it special.  That's just what these two gifts are.  We all use kitchen towels and I'd love to get a gift like one of these.  

As I was searching on Ravelry for ideas, I saw that someone had used the center flower of a pot holder pattern to make a little scrubby.  It was so cute and seemed like the perfect idea for this gift and the person it's going to.  I even had the yarn I needed in my stash.  How cool is that?!

I used Sugar N Cream yarn, a size G hook, and the "Rose Ripple Potholder" pattern.  You can find it on Ravelry by clicking HERE.  I used THIS free leaf pattern to finish it off.

For this set of kitchen towels, I made a couple of dish cloths.  I've made lots of these over the years and I love them.  They work great!  And, they're simple and fun to make and I can make two with a two ounce ball of Sugar N Cream.  I made this pattern up and you can find details on how to make it on my Ravelry project page by clicking HERE.

I'll post other projects when I can, after Christmas.  Other than that, the only things I can think of that I've finished lately are some Kumihimo cords.  They're fun to make and a great use of scraps.  I'll round them up and take some pictures for a future post.

FO Friday - Almost...

This has been a very busy week but I did manage to finish a project...almost.  I started crocheting some strips of lace a while back to sew onto pillow cases for my daughter.  I recently pulled the project out to finish it.  I got the lace done this week...two 36" strips.  The "almost" part is that I still need to sew them onto the pillow cases.  I'm hoping to get to that later today.

Here are a couple of photos I took with my cell phone...

I was on such a roll with de-stashing, finishing projects, and doing things around the house before my recent trip but I seem to have lost momentum.  I think it's picking back up though.  I had a more productive week.  I got a lot of yard work done....some trimming, took out two trees and cut them up, and filled the huge green waste and trash bins.  And, I did some more preserving of herbs, made a new batch of homemade granola, finished this lace, picked out some patterns and wound some skeins of yarn into balls.  It's not as much as I'd hoped to do but I had a pretty bad sinus headache one day and felt pretty wiped out for the rest of the day when I did all that yard work.

I've also needed to spend more time caring for my dog who's hurt ACL has gotten so bad she can barely get around.  We've ordered a brace that should (fingers crossed) help a lot.  And, I'm still giving meds to my kitty, Penelope, for a severe bladder infection that she had.  Penelope is feeling a lot better.  Yay!  Now, to get Salsa feeling better and bouncing around again like her usual self!  I've been giving both of them lots of extra love and attention.

There's a fiber festival this weekend that I'm planning to go to with my daughter.  That should add a little extra inspiration for getting back on a roll with projects.

Have a wonderful weekend!

FO Friday - Artful Flower Cowl

Whew!  I finished a project for FO Friday just in the nick of time!

I started this project at the beginning of our trip and completed the cowl part pretty quickly.  I made the flower part yesterday and got it all sewn together and finished up this afternoon.

I used the "Artfully Simple Infinity Cowl" pattern for the cowl part.  It's a free pattern on Ravelry and the second one I've made.  It's simple, quick, fun and I love the results.  This one is made with a skein of Cascade Ultra Pima Cotton in the Buff colorway (#3719).  I used a size G hook to make it.

I made the flowers with an E hook and patterns from the "100 Lace Flowers to Crochet" book by Caitlin Sainio.  I love that book!  I sewed white buttons to the center of each flower and stitched the flowers together.  Then, I made a chain of about 125, tucked in the ends, and laced it through the back of the flower corsage.  Then, I tied it around the cowl with a bow.  It'll work this way or with the cowl doubled for more warmth.

I love how it makes a diagonal and open grid.  It has great texture, looks interesting, and makes it look a bit more complicated than it actually is.

I was surprised to find that I only needed one skein/220 yards.  Any more and it would have been too bulky for this cowl.  I had planned on two skeins and used a bit of the second one for the flowers.  I now have slightly less than a full skein to figure out what to do with.  So, if I were to do this again, I'd make the flowers first and then use the rest for the cowl.  I think it would work out just fine that way.  

I was a bit hesitant when I started on it because I was worried that this color looked a bit like a fishing net.  But, from the reaction I got when I posted a photo on Instagram last week, it seems to be great.  And, I like it.  It's not just a standard "natural".  The color is a bit richer and I think the sheen adds a lot to it.  I think the color and yarn are a perfect match for this open, summery cowl and it's a lot like what I had in mind when I bought it.  I'm not quite sure what I'd wear it with though.  Hmmm?

Oh...and, this makes one more skein that's been de-stashed!  Yay!

FO Friday - Autumn Crochet Bunting

I'm so in love with the Half Lotus Bunting pattern that I found on Ravelry!  I've made three of them so far.  I posted one of them last week that I'd made for my daughter.  When I was making panels for that one, I was also making panels for an Autumn colored bunting.  I waited to post it because I thought it might look cute with crocheted acorns hanging from the ends of the strings.  I tried making some but they just don't look good with this thick yarn.  That's ok.  I love my Fall bunting anyway.  Here it is on my family room fireplace mantel...

I love it!

It's not Autumn yet but Fall is my favorite season.

So, why not enjoy it a little early and a little longer?!  : )

This project accomplished a little de-stashing.

But, have to admit that I bought a few colors for a better Fall look.  ;-) 

A Breath of Courage and a Finished Skirt

It's not FO Friday yet but I just have to share today's accomplishment.

It's an FO that's a year in the making!  I finally finished it!

It all started last year when my daughter was on one of her sewing sprees.  She's been diving in more and more and just going for it with making clothes.  It's paying off...she's getting really good!  It's inspiring although I'm so hesitant to sew clothes because I've never made any that I love.  But, this skirt was hard to resist.  She made several of them.  Here's one of my favorites...

It's a short skirt pattern (Simplicity 2226) that she made long.

In one of my moments of inspiration over the past couple of years, I bought some nice fabric and a pattern for a dress.  I was too chicken to cut out and make the dress.  However, I did feel confident enough about the skirt to go for it.  So, last summer, I made this skirt.  But....I was too chicken to hem it.  I guess I was worried about cutting off the bit of excess on the bottom and about the chance that I wouldn't like it once it was done.  I took a breath of courage today and went for it.

Here's my finished skirt...

(Please ignore the hair...this is my hang around the house look...lol)

I'm not quite sure if I'm in love with it yet.  I'm worried that it might look a little prairie-like.  But, I sure want to love it.  These skirts look great on my daughter, it's super comfy, the fabric is adorable and it has pockets!  I love pockets!  Here's a close up of the pocket and one of my dandy belt loops.

I think I did a pretty good job of sewing it.

These were my first belt loops and one of the only zippers I've ever sewn in.

I need a belt that's a tad bit wider but this worked to see how it will look.

I like how the skirt looks with a white top.  A red or navy one might look good too.  And, maybe even a denim jacket.  I'm hoping it'll work great in the cooler months with boots too.

Wow!  I can't believe it's actually finished!  It won't be on my to-do list anymore!  Yay!

FO Friday - Crochet Bunting

Whew!  I made it!  I got another project done just in time for FO Friday!

Here it is...a sweet, crochet bunting...

I made it for my daughter to decorate the bathroom or bedroom of her condo.

The leftover bits of yarn and stash yarn I had worked perfectly.

Look how great it matches her shower curtain...

I love the shape and design of the panels.  They're so cute!  

The "Half Lotus Bunting" pattern is free on Ravelry.  I found the pattern directions challenging but finally got it worked out.  I took notes on my Ravelry project page as I worked it out so I'd have an easier time with the next ones.    Now, the bunting panels are easy and quick.

I noticed that other people have had some trouble figuring out the pattern too.  I'd like to try to make a chart to post in my notes.  I find them so much clearer and easier to understand.  I'm sure I'll find it helpful with future buntings that I make and maybe others will find it helpful too. 

 I used a size "H" crochet hook to make mine.

For the chain, I started with 80 stitches, single crocheted each panel on, made three chain stitches between each panel, made 82 more chain stitches, turned (making sure I would be stitching across the top and back), made a single crochet in the third chain from the hook and all the way across.  I fastened off the end, tied a knot with the beginning and ending yarn and used a yarn needle to hide the ends.  To finish it off, I laid it on the ironing board, adjusted the panels and steamed them (from the back).  They lay and hang much nicer after that.

This project is so cute and fun!  In fact, I have another bunting made in Autumn colors.  But, I'm thinking about adding some cute embellishments to it.  So, I'll be posting it later.

Yay!  More de-stashing and another FO!  And, how great to find a use for leftover bits!

FO Friday

Another week has gone by and I'm still on a roll with de-stashing and finishing projects!  Woo hoo!  I love this!  It feels good to use up some supplies, finish up projects, and have some new and fun things.

One of the things I finished up this week was this painting...

My daughter and I took a class at the local ceramics/painting shop last month.  They were featuring this "Sugar Skull" painting for one of the classes.  We liked it and the class just happened to be the day after my daughter's birthday.  So, that's how we celebrated.  It was a lot of fun!  However, there's a lot more to this "simple" looking painting than it seems.  So much so that we didn't finish our paintings during the class...even though it went an hour longer than scheduled.  My daughter finished her painting a day or so later.  But, me...I kept putting it off.  I finally got around to finishing it this week.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and it was a lot of fun.

Another thing I finished was this granny square table topper.  I made it with a huge, 710 yard skein of Handicrafter Cotton that I had in my stash.  And, I made it in one week.  I thought it would look great with this table cloth that I have.  And, it will be perfect for Fall.  However, it turned out a bit small.  I wanted to center it over the table cloth, on my round kitchen table, and have the corners go to each place there's a chair to act as a place mat...perfect to put a place setting at each corner.  I haven't given up hope yet though.  I'm going to try to block it out as much as I can and see if it makes it big enough.  If not....well?....I'm not quite sure what I'll do with it.  I really like it though and I'm determined to make it work for something.  The burnt orange color of it is perfect in my house.  And, I don't want to rip out 710 yards of stitching!  That was a lot of work!

I also knitted up a couple more dish cloths with a ball of brown Sugar N Cream.

Looks like a great color scheme going on, huh?  :-)

This feels so good to be using up so much stash yarn and finishing so many projects!

I'd better figure out my next project and get started while I'm still on a roll!

I just got a message from Sandy at "My Yellow Swing".  It's a bag making bonanza at her place.  She has finished up a bunch of great bags and posted them on her blog today.  I love how she combines sewing with inkle weaving and cords that she's made.  Here's just one of her FO's for this week...

Be sure to pop over and see all the other great bags she's made.

Oh...and, I almost forgot...I'm need  to add my newest FO's to the Stash-Buster Party at Linda's Crafty Corner.  Hop on over if you'd like to join in on the fun or see what everyone's been making.

P.S.  I just got word that Cindy at "Delighted Hands" posted for FO Friday.  She finished a gorgeous, knitted, lace shawl.  Hop on over and take a look.  Great job, Cindy!  I love it!

Here's a peek...

De-Stash / FO Challenge - FO Friday

I did it!  I got another project done...just in time for FO Friday!

I finished crocheting it during my trip and finally got it sewn together yesterday.

I got this yarn several years ago when I was in Sedona, Arizona.  It's Ella Rae Lace Merino and I love the color and texture of it.  I've been on a search all this time for the perfect pattern for it.  I finally decided to just go for it with a version of the Claudia Scarf.  I crocheted until my yarn was almost gone.  Then, I folded it in half, made a twist, and sewed it together to create a mobius.

I had planned to block it to open up the pattern/stitches a bit.  However, after I'd created a mobius, I realized that it would be difficult to impossible to get it blocked evenly.  Oh well.  It looks great anyway.

I'm SO in love with the colors in this yarn.  It's gorgeous!  Oranges and pinks...So pretty!  It reminds me of the orange rocks of Sedona and the beautiful sunsets there.  It even has a pretty twist to it.  And, it's super soft and squishy.  So nice!

I used a size "H" crochet hook.

And, I was able to use so much of the yarn that I only have about two yards left.

I wanted to use as much of this beautiful yarn as I could.

The length turned out perfect for wearing as a single loop.

And, it works perfectly to double around the neck for more warmth.

I can't wait to wear this beauty!

This is another de-stashing success!  It's the eighth skein I've de-stashed into an FO in the past few weeks.  It's the fifth FO.  I started two more projects from stash yarn this week.  This is fun!

How's it going with your de-stashing and FO's?  I'd love to hear about it and see your projects.
If you're joining in on this challenge, let me know.
I'd love to share photos of your successes and link them to your blogs.

Happy de-stashing and have a wonderful weekend!

UPDATE 8/10/2014 - I'm joining in on Linda's Crafty Corner, Stash-Buster Link Party.
If you'd like to join in on the fun, hop on over to her blog.

The FO Party is Under Way! You've Got to See This...

My post yesterday about doing a de-stash / FO challenge got some very positive feedback and several people are interested in joining in on the fun and success of it all.  In fact, I just heard from Delighted Hands and she's already started!  She made an entire top from start to finish today with some gorgeous fabric that she already had.  Just click HERE to see it.  It's really pretty!  I can only imagine how excited she is to wear it somewhere.  She did a fabulous job!  I wish I could whip up clothes like that.  That would be awesome!  Well done!  

So....consider this the very first week of "FO Friday".  Weeeee....this is fun!  :-D    And, don't forget....it's not too late to join in on the fun!  When you do, make sure to let me know if it's ok to post pictures of your projects along with the links to your blog.  Otherwise, I'll stick to just a link like I'm doing this time (I forgot to ask but I'm so excited to share).

Have an awesome weekend!  Happy creating!  :-D