The Fourth

Hello Dear Friends!  I have quite a few knitty finishes that need blogging, but the one I'm going to show you today happens to be my most recent (this past weekend) one.  It's a skirt I started last spring.  You may remember I mentioned it here.  The skirt itself knitted up quickly and I enjoyed it immensely.  I fell in love with the yarn the more I knit...so soft and lovin' that muted mustard-y yellow with it's flecks of black and cream.  Then I blocked it.  And it grew 4 extra inches in width.  Which made me pretty unhappy since I had to figure out a Plan B.

But before I could worry about Plan B, I had to knit the lace-edging that peeks out at the hemline.  And it was fiddly knitting.  Lace knitting where the needles want to slip out every single stitch.  And I had a terrible time concentrating and keeping track of where I was...and there was a whole lot of tinking (knitting backwards) and possibly swearing.  And I really did consider that it would look Just Fine Without That Blasted Lace!  But I was saved by summer!  No need for an alpaca/wool skirt in the summer, so I set the whole thing aside with a clear conscience and moved on to lots of other knitting projects :)

But then of course, summer came to an end.  And I could no longer ignore something that was sooo close to being finished.  My brain and my hands and the pattern and needles and yarn were all on the same wavelength this time around, as I was able to knit the rest of the edging without any major mishaps.  And all the time while I was knitting and blocking the edging, and while I sewed up the side seam and sewed on the buttons, I was thinking of what to do about the waist.  I have elastic and thought that was the route I should go as it really seemed to be the best idea.  And on a whim, I decided to crochet a single chain and thread it through the waistband and see if it worked as well for this skirt as it has my others.

And you know what?  It works just fine :)  This is one of my absolute favorite knitting finishes.

Chelsea Skirt by

Cecily Glowik MacDonald

raveled here

Jennifer asked about the red pincushion in my last post.  The design is A Needleworker's Pocket by With My Needle from the 2003 JCS Christmas Ornaments issue.

Thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods and for your sweet comments.  Sending you all a little Colorado Sunshine!

New Stash & Q and A

Yummy yarn and a funky mug...

To ebay and back...

Fun fabrics!!!

(Patriotic FQ set from Hobby Lobby, I love those 40% off coupons!

Snowmen and Reindeer FQ set from Walmart.)

And now for the Q and A for Jill (no blog.)

The Valentine patterns in my sidebar can be found here:

French Valentine

Lovebird

Valentine and Sweet Valentine

("ABC I Love Thee" is from the Feb 2001 JCS magazine)

Hope you're all having a fantastic weekend!

Thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods and for your sweet comments!

Rusty Technique

I've had several inquiries about making rusty bells and pins...so here you go.  There are lots of different techniques out there, but this seems to be the least volatile.  It is easily made with items from your cupboard and easily disposed of.

1.  Put your bells/pins in a large glass jar (I use a 1/2 gallon size mason jar.)  Do not fill more than halfway.  Pour in regular household bleach to cover.  Let sit at least 24 hours.  Discard bleach down any drain.

2.  Cover bells/pins with apple cider vinegar and a good dose of salt (a couple Tbsp.)  Let sit for at least 24 hours.  Discard cider down any drain.  Allow to air dry at least 24 hours.  For the air-drying, I used an old pizza box with a few layers of newspaper.

There you go.  Happy Rusting!

Crochet and Q&A

Happy Friday Dear Friends!  I finished this crochet throw yesterday...and couldn't be bothered to block it because everyone wanted to try it out right away :)

It's quite warm and cozy and lightweight too.  And I'm so happy it's finished...I think I've mentioned before that blankets around here are all about the finished product.  It's just rows of single and double crochet (trying to mimic old-fashioned ticking fabric), using Wool Ease in Natural Heather and Blue Heather and a size I hook.

And now to answer a few questions :)  My helper in the previous post is Dobby.  He's a 5 yr old Australian Cattle Dog (blue heeler), a little small for his breed but perfectly proportioned.  And he's as devoted and loveable as they come.

And all those little "hot" tags?  They were sewn into these:

Wool Coffee Cup Cozies.  Instead of those cardboard sleeves.  Hubby and I did our very first craft show earlier this month and these were one of the items I made.  Add a gift card to a favorite coffee house, and it makes the perfect little gift.  I've put a few in the Shop.

I still have more finishes, but I'll share them another day.  For now, I need to tackle my google reader.  Have a fantastic weekend everyone and a Fun and Safe Halloween!!!

Briar Rabbit

What a quick stitch this was! I think he's so cute :)

Briar Rabbit by La-D-Da

fabric: 32ct Queen Anne's Lace

fibers: DMC

frame from Hobby Lobby

I chose a much lighter fabric. I think the darker fabric of the model masks the sweetness of the design. I've put the pattern on my de-stash blog if anyone is interested. **edited** this chart has been sold, thank you for your interest!

And now a question dear friends. These are the two bunnies I've stitched for Easter (the BBD bunny is from last year.) I'd like to stitch another one. Something sweet, but not too cutesy (and definitely not cartoonish.) Prim or vintage looking would be good too. Any suggestions???

Thank you everyone for all the love-ly comments on my Valentine basket...they sure warmed my heart :)

And for Corinne from Paris: these are the patterns from my patriotic basket...

**Liberty and Justice by Little House Needleworks

**Stars and Stripes by Little House Needleworks

**USA Squared by Lizzie Kate

**God Bless America by Lizzie Kate

**SnapHappy Independence Day by Bent Creek

**4th of July Bird by Heart in Hand

**Glory by The Trilogy

**Sailing Sloop freebie by Rainbow Gallery

**Patriotic Garden by Waxing Moon (LNS freebie)

**Freedom by Lizzie Kate (LNS freebie)

Alrighty, I think that's all for me folks! Thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods!!!

What could be better

than enjoying my hot chocolate with a candy cane?

I love chocolate-mint combos, and this feels so festive :) So what could be better than my peppermint-hot-chocolate?

Ahhh, knitting a sock out of some very soft, sweetly striping yarn! And we all know how much I LOVE knitting socks, but what could be better than sock-knitting?


Perhaps finishing both socks. And then finding this cute, it-matches-the-gift, leftover-from-a-few-years-ago tag to use for all the pertinent sock care instructions.


So what could possibly be better than all that?


Crossing one more gift off my list. Actually, even better yet, I've been crossing several gifts off the handmade list this weekend! (Sorry, not gloating. O-kaaay, maybe just a smidge of gloating, lol!)


Thanks everyone for all the great feedback about the beading tutorial. Try it, you won't believe how easy it really is...and then you look like a finishing wizard :) There were a couple questions, so I'll answer them quick:

I was asked about knotting the tail after weaving...I don't bother with a knot and I don't worry about it coming loose. But if you want to knot the end, by all means, I think you should.

I trim the edges to within 3-4 "squares" (or 6-8 "threads). And I've never had any problems with those fraying once they're inside the ornament (or pincushion.) I backstitch the edges and that's it. But if you're worried about it coming apart at the seams, you can always use fray-check or such on the edges.

My tutorial is just how I do the beaded edges, I'm sure everyone has their own way. I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable with, that gives you the results that you want :)

And to answer a quick question about the dishcloths...I can get 2 dishcloths out of a solid-colored ball of yarn. There isn't much left over, so I only leave tails about 6-8 inches long to weave in at the end. If you use the variegated yarns, 2 balls will make 3 dishcloths. The washcloths I made use more yarn than the dishcloths because of the larger size.

The dishcloth pattern is a great beginner pattern, it's how my grandma taught me to knit. You learn how to cast on, increase, decrease and bind off. It's all knit stitch, no purling. Google knitting tutorials, there are tons out there. And so what if they're a bit wonky, they still work great in the kitchen!

Thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods! It's Monday, so I hope you have a great one! And if I don't make it back here before Thursday...Happy Thanksgiving dear friends, I have much to be thankful for and that includes all of you!!!

About those edgings

I've been receiving lots of questions about my ornament edgings, so here's how I do them.

Backstitch matching fronts and backs. I always do these over 2 with two threads.

I always start the whipstitching with a loop.

And then you just whipstitch through the front and back stitches. Adding beads every other stitch or every third stitch...or however you want the beaded edging to look. I use Piecemaker size 28 needles, the beads fit right over the eye. (The beads also fit over the John James size 28's too.)

Edgings like this are just without beads (whipstitched through the backstitching.)

When I get to the hanger, I put a small knot in my ribbon or cording, so that the end doesn't accidentally get pulled out.

Then, I weave a stitch or two through the backstitches and ribbon.

And then continue on with the beading.

My last stitch is always stitched through the beginning stitch. And then I thread the needle under the whipstitches and clip the end close.

Ta~Da! So simple, but so effective :)

The top ornament has beads every other stitch. The bottom ornament has beads every third stitch.

Happy Stitching!!!

Green or Gray

I had so much fun with the brown lace scarf from my previous post, that I couldn't help myself and did two more...

edging pattern from the Cottage Lace Cardigan

Interweave Knits Weekend special issue mag, 2009

Yarn: Wool-Ease Chunky by Lion Brand Yarn, color Medium Grass Green

Needles: size 15

edging pattern from the Cottage Lace Cardigan

Interweave Knits Weekend special issue mag, 2009

Yarn: Wool-Ease Chunky by Lion Brand Yarn, color Charcoal

Needles: size 15

Now to answer a few questions :)

1) Jolene asked if this pattern was suitable for a beginner. I think it is because the lace patterning is only on the wrong side rows (all right side rows are knit.) You only need to know how to yarn-over and there are 3 different decrease stitches (all of which are very easy and explained.) The pic above shows how I keep track of where I am with the pattern.

2) Jen asked about the scissors in my post from Sept 24, 2008. I bought them on ebay and the seller is: rosa0537. I have no idea if they're still available, I hope they are!

And finally, if you stayed through this post to the end. I'm sneaking in a little giveaway to thank you for all the scarf love :) Just leave a comment on this post only (include your email address please!) The winner gets their choice of either the Green OR Gray Scarf!!! A winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, October 2nd. Good luck and thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods!!!

Snap Happy!

If you've been reading my blog for a while, this might look familiar to you. I stitched this pattern last year for a 4th of July Fair and Square exchange. And this year, I've re-stitched it for myself ;) See those Pop-Its? We've gotta buy them every year, my boys love them. And sparklers. Gotta buy sparklers too, cuz it's just not 4th of July without sparklers ;)

Snap Happy Independence Day

by Bent Creek

fabric: 32ct lambswool linen

fibers: DMC

Have you seen this cute 4th of July Quaker Heart freebie by Aury? I hope to get it stitched this year too :)

I had a couple inquiries about my scissors in the last two posts. I bought them a few years ago as part of a set off ebay. I don't know if they're still available, but you can always search "embroidery scissors" on ebay to see what comes up.

Thanks for all of your sweet comments on my patriotic stitching and our recent road trip (I still have a few more pics of that.) Sending you all a little Colorado Sunshine...

A birdy and some answers

Thought I'd pop on here and show you the birdy I just finished up...

Early Bird Gets the Worm

by Bent Creek

Feb 1999 Cross Stitch and Needlework

fabric: 28ct linen in tea

fibers: DMC

And to answer some questions about the photos in my sidebar...

The info on the red samplers can be found on the post dated Friday, June 6, 2008. The patterns can be found in the August/September 1999 issue of The Needleworker magazine.

Info for the "By the Grace of God" sampler can be found on Thursday, July 24, 2008. My floss conversions are listed on the Saturday July 26th post. The pattern can be found in the February 2004 issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine.

Info for the embroidered angel can be found on Monday October 27, 2008. It's a freebie pattern and there's a link on the post.

Sorry that I'm being too lazy to post all the links. You can find my archives in the sidebar :) It's been a busy day at home; the house has been cleaned and ALL the laundry done! Now I've got to scoot off of here and fire up the grill and toss a salad :) Have a terrific evening and thanks for stopping by my little piece of cyberspace!

Something to Crow About

A small finish! This was a really fun little stitch, I think it's so bright and cheery.

Good Morning!

by the Prairie Schooler

Just Cross Stitch/Feb 2002

fabric: 32ct lambswool linen

fibers: DMC

And my new spring wardrobe:

I saw the Winter Floral Sampler pattern on Ruth's blog and just HAD to have it. And when things have a seasonal theme, I am a sucker at buying the "set".....

And a few questions to catch up on:

1. The fabric that I "over dyed", is first dyed in one color. And then dyed in another color. I don't wait for the fabric to dry in between usually. Although, now that I've said that, I might have to try it.

2. Check out my tutorial (listed in my side bar) for making floss tags. That's the technique I use, though it certainly isn't the only way. Anita has a different way of making them, so check out her tutorial.

3. The triangle shaped ornie finishing. I measured the tallest part of the stitched piece and added 1/2inch to the measurement. Then measured the widest part of the base and added 1/2inch to that measurement. I used those measurements for my cardboard triangle that I cut out for the front and back and then finished it as you would for a pinkeep. (That was about as clear as mud.) Let me think on how best to answer that one again.

Okey-dokey. I think that's it for me today. Have a terrific day and thanks for dropping by my little piece of cyberspace!

Raindrops keep falling on my head...

since Thursday morning. Except for yesterday when it was raining snow (you know that really, really wet kind that feels like slush when it hits you.) They say it's supposed to end today. But in the mean time, it has me thinking of all those rain-related songs...It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring, etc. And it has me thinking I should take a leaf out of Noah's book :)

So isn't it fitting that I finished this?

This was so much fun...I love it!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

The Prairie Schooler, book #139

fabric: 32ct cream Belfast linen

fibers: DMC

Ahhh, I dyed some fabric. Which is sooo much fun! Once you start, you just can't stop!

RIT Dye

L-R (above photo)

Tan 28ct

Dark Brown & Golden Yellow 28ct

Dark Brown overdyed with Tan 32ct

Dark Brown and Golden Yellow 32ct

Cocoa Brown overdyed with Tan 32ct

Melanie (no blog) asked a few dyeing questions. I rinse the dyed fabric in lukewarm water till the water comes out fairly clear (not completely clear.) I gently squeeze the excess out, but it's still usually dripping...and then roll in an old towel. Lay the towel and the fabric out flat till just damp and then iron on another old towel. I have a few old bath towels that I use for this and I just launder them with the rest of my laundry. Ok, so if you're dyeing several pieces of fabric, can you keep using the same towel to roll them in and lay flat? I only do this if the dye colors are very similar, for example if they're all shades of browns. I did that with the fabrics on this post.

I hope I've answered your questions Melanie :) If there are anymore, please feel free to ask and I'll try to answer them as best I can.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and I hope wherever you are the sun is shining. And if it isn't, you can join me, "The sun'll come out tomorrow..."