Another Horse, of course!

 

While waiting for my yarn to arrive for my next 'drive Robbie crazy knitting' project, I decided to play around with a  paper I stenciled and dyed.  I added some white paint using a small stencil and I was quite happy with it.  In fact, I thought this would make a nice background but what could I add to it!  

As I was standing in my sewing room, I got looking at my horse hex pieces I did a few years ago and thought!  Why not another hex horse and use the paper for the horse!!  

This was the first horse I made.  I hand stitched the patchwork background, then cut out the horse pattern into the patchwork (yes, that was scary!).  I knew how many hex pieces I needed (3/4" hex) so once I made a hex square piece of fabric I just stitched around the horse. 

For the 2nd quilt, I took the horse patchwork I had cut out and started to make a larger hex background!  It was easier just to make the horse fabric!  HA  

Waste not, want not, right!  Well, I didn't have any leftover pieces so................

This was my hex pattern sheet but I was also lucky to have kept the original horse pattern I made from a free coloring page site on the web. 

So I cut out a template of the horse shape reversed and this was a smaller one than the hex horses.

I have tons of hex pieces in every color there is!  So I started to lay hex pieces around the 'paper' horse!  HA   I did like the white/peach mix on top of his back.  But nothing really did the trick for me.

As I was taking off the hex pieces, I liked the simple contrast of the white background around 'him'.

So in my stash I went.  I found this hand died piece I did awhile back - yes, I pulled out probably 20+ pieces of fabric but nothing did the trick!

So I bit the bullet and traced the horse form on top of the dyed piece.  I backed the fabric with a lightweight stabilizer because I was going to use an Xacto knife to cut out the horse but that was not  working so I just used scissors.  And, yes, I  kept the horse piece!  Who knows...horse #4 in the future!  Maybe with a hex background!  HA

Then the fun came playing around with which way to turn the paper to get the horse to look right with the white stencil marks.  

I'm still playing with this part as well as deciding how to cut most of the paper away because I'll be doing free motion quilting and perhaps some hand stitching on the piece.  I'm still working on that aspect of the project.  

And my yarn came so my sister and I are starting another project together!  So much fun to cry on her shoulder when knitting doesn't work out!  HA  And to be the little sister and allow my big sister to cry on my shoulder too!  Just wish we lived closer to do this project. The yarn is quite thin and 4 or 5 wraps, which should drive us crazy!!!  It's a light weight summer T (Miya Tee)...now to finish it for the summer!  DUH!  Why don't I make a sweater for winter...no pressure to finish this, right!

Lace T - more progress!

 

The lace part on my T is done and on the left and right (where white threads are) are the sleeve stitches on waste yarn.  I'm now starting on the body!  Never thought I'd get here...this is the front.

It looks like a shawl but it's not!  HA  Sleeves are on waste yarn...you can see in pic below better.  Once I finish the body, I'll go back and pick up the sleeve stitches and knit to length I want and then add ribbing.  I'm not sure how long I want the sleeves, but I think a few inches longer than the pattern.  We'll see.

And this is the back.  The knitting at the bottom edges are the short row...which at first I couldn't figure out what they were for...duh!  If you look at your pullovers (T, sweaters, etc.) the back neck line is always higher than the front!  Again 'Duh'!!!  You can see in the first picture how the neckline sits lower.  

I know it doesn't seem like much but this was one of the pics when I first started or one of the pieces that I  eventually ripped out!  HA

So now I just have to just knit for the body...no counting lace, no short rows, no losing my place!  HA  Not sure how long it will take but at least I just have to make sure I don't drop and stitches or add any!  HA   And easy to watch football while I knit!

In between knitting and general housework, etc.  I've been baking...ok, who are we kidding.  I bake a lot for Bob and I.  I like having a cup of tea or coffee (decaf of course!) at night along with a treat.  If I don't have some cake, pie, cookie, etc. then we'll settle for a piece or two of chocolate candy.  

These are Bob's favorite cookie, which I make often. I make lots so I can put in the freezer and take 4 or 6 out in the a.m. and they are all nice and fresh for Bob after dinner (he doesn't like to wait!  HA).  This is the recipe but I only make 1/2 batch and that gives me about 3 dozen.  I think her recipe  makes 6 or 7 dozen!  Almond Joy Cookie Recipe.  It really is a good recipe.

And our friends all know Bob and I also love our bread!  I found this easy recipe on FB (where else!  HA) and it is easy and oh so good!  If you've never made any home made bread or just want an easy one to make, try this Peasant Bread.

So now to watch some football...Green Bay and 49er's...sorry Mary and Kay but I'm root for the 49er's!!!  And remember the Lions did beat Green Bay this year!  Hey we have to brag on something!  HA

Knitting Time (again!)

 I showed a knitted cuff I made a few weeks ago from some old, leftover yarn.  It wasn't the best work due to the yarn fraying when adding the beads but I've worn it a few times.  I started another one but got sidetracked!  Go figure!  I have a few balls of Cascade 220 Superwash wool left from my poncho I finished last month...so figured since I don't have a decent cap to wear  in the fall/winter on our walks, I'd make one!  Let's face it...hats are very easy to make and you can even watch a movie on your laptop while a football game is on the TV!  Yes, I do multi task!  HA

But this next project I'll only be knitting when it's quiet and I haven't had a glass or wine - or maybe I'll need a glass of wine!  HA  

My sister and I both saw this on Facebook so we are both going to make it together!   It's always fun to have us both work on a pattern so if one of us runs into trouble or one knows a stitch, we can help each other out.  

 The pattern is called Reina de Picas (on Ravelry) and I am so impressed with the instructions.  Yes, it's lace and you can either knit according to the chart or the written instructions (which I prefer).  I've used some charts for knitting but they have to be simple...I get lost easily!  

I actually had sent away for another pattern before I saw the lace top above.  This jacket is a 10+ year old pattern from Europe and a company (now defunct) called SMC Select.  

I found the pattern on Ebay and almost had a panic attack when I opened up the booklet!  It was written in German or Swedish!  But I kept flipping through the pages and English appeared!  WHEW!!!

I would make the length closer to my waist vs as high as it is here in the picture.

The yarn used in this pattern is no longer being produced.  I was at our local knit shop last week trying to find a substitute and decided to try and use my 220 Superwash leftover.  I started to knit up a swatch to see how it would work and I was quite happy with the gauge.  Ignore the bottom knitting part as I was just playing around before I decided to try to actual pattern.  I like the feel of the piece and think it will make a nice lightweight jacket.  But, I do want to tackle the lace top first.  It may take me until next spring/summer to finish!  I can always make the jacket later!

Just to show why I've been lax in updating my blog....we're having our first book sale in almost two years this coming weekend at our little library in town.  I put together this video of our upcoming sale.  With the exception of most books on the shelves around the room, books have all been donated by patrons or our library (they weed out so they can replace with newer books).  It's taken us about two weeks of volunteer workers categorizing books, moving tables, organizing books, DVD's, etc.  It's a ton of work but we're hoping for a good turnout! Yes, I'm having fun playing around with making videos!!  

Knitting Time (again)!

 

Yep...it's knitting time...at least inbetween my online class work with Hilary.  I am still working on silhouette's and background inspiration(s)...but I've narrowed it down and that makes me excited!  Now to make a few small collage pieces on what I may want as my finished piece.  Until then, this is my latest knitted project!  The pattern is call 'Ixia' and was designed by Susanna IC (her web site is called ArtQualia) and this pattern is available on Ravelry.  

This is a picture of the lace pattern on the bottom hem as well as on the sleeves.  I'm hoping with the needles I'm using to obtain gauge that this T will fit!  That's always a concern!  

This is the yarn/color I'm knitting my T in...my sister is also knitting the same pattern but she'll finish hers way before me!  I've only finished the yoke and will now start on the body/raglan sleeves.  The pattern is worked from the top down or up depending on how you look at it!  HA

One of the reasons I mention this designer (besides I loving her patterns!) but she was so kind as to answer emails I had on one of the stitches she uses in this pattern.  I had emailed that I was self taught so this stitch was 'new' to me.  Susanna was gracious enough to link me up to a YouTube that certainly explained it...in a funny way, but it worked!  And, come to find out, Susanna is self taught!  WHAT!  I was shocked to hear that...you have to see some of her patterns/designs!  She does quite a lot of lace work,which ya all know I love now!  For those followers, who are knitters, check out her web page or Raverly.  

And to show some beautiful fall color from Michigan!  How about this fall picture, taken from our DIL, Kris! It's a picture of our grandson, Nick, with his Jeep and his latest finished project of adding a "Lift pkg" and big tires! No, I don't know what all that means other than I will need someone to help me get up into Nick's Jeep for my next ride!

Another Shawl Finished!

I believe I am finished with making lace shawls for the time being!  No place to wear them anyway, right!  But I have had an enjoyable, satisfying and challenging time learning to knit lace work!  A huge thanks to Laura Nelkin (I've used her patterns) and to Andrea Wong (Portuguese Knitting instructor).  Both these ladies have taught me so much...so guess I need to look at some tops/sweaters/etc. to make.  At least those I can wear at home - well, I guess I could wear the shawls but Bob would think I've really lost it!  I started this pattern, Clarus, around the beginning of August and finished it on August 31st. 

It's a really cool lace pattern...looks a little wobbly but when blocked you'll see the pattern and shape.

Closer look at the pattern

Off the needles and into a warm soak so I can block it.  Color is distorted!  DUH

Blocking!

I used some older long needles to straighten out the center panel and the neckline area.  Laura has really good instructions on blocking her shawls.

ALL FINISHED!

This is the yarn I used.

There are slight shades of purple, yellow and greens in this yarn.

Yep! I'm still here!

First off, our grand daughter is back at Siena Heights U - she's a junior this year!  I am worried about her being in class part of the time (they'll be alternating virtual study and in class) but I think the school will be cautious.  Amber is in an apartment with two other girls on campus, which also makes me feel better..not sure why!  Plus, it's cheaper as they don't have to pay for utilities on campus. 

I know my days are busy but they don't always conclude with seeing work or art completed!  Guess that's where the term 'busy work' came from!  Who knows. 
I am making progress on my latest knitted shawl...I know...why are you knitting a shawl when you can't go anywhere to wear it!  I haven't a clue why I am making this shawl other than I'm enjoying learning how to knit lace patterns!  I really enjoy Laura Nelkin's patterns and her classes on Blueprint/Craftsy...whatever they are calling themselves these days...but that's a whole other post isn't it! 

And our favorite farm has been selling their delicious corn the past few weeks.  I think Bob and I have eaten corn at least 2-3 days a week for the past two weeks! 

And I've been freezing corn as well.  Trying several different ways to freeze corn (on and off the cob)!  I'll let you know this winter...I mean fall...the corn won't last that long in the freezer either!

One of my Florida buds, Nancy, gave me the suggestion given her from a farmer for freezing corn.  You add water to the kernels.  I did two with water and two without.  Can't wait to try them to see how they hold up!  Thanks, Nancy!





I am working on our MIP online lesson which is photo collage design work.  I  struggled with creating a good collage design but I sure learned a lot just trying to complete this module.  I'll be showing my finished/in progress pieces this week.  Still working on 3  collage pieces at a time!  It's good to walk away from working on the collage and come back to it with fresh eyes.

So until later this week...hope you are all wearing your mask(s) and staying positive!

Another knit project in the books!

Because I had to purchase more yarn to finish my lace shawl, I couldn't see just letting the yarn sit in a container....so, I found a pattern by Laura Nelkin and decided to knit it using the leftover yarn.

Finally finished....although, I stopped short and didn't add all the rows on the pattern, nor did I add the beads when binding off...I was afraid to run out of yarn (again!).

Piece is blocking/drying.

All blocked!  This was a good practice piece for knitting with beads, which I really haven't done before other than a book mark which was super small!

Some of the bead detail

I look like I'm ready to rob a bank!  But I think this will work well under a jacket or blouse or if I do need a mask to rob a bank!  Who knows!

 And now I'm working on another one, which I'll follow the pattern.   You can see the beads that I'll be adding on this scarf.  Nice to work in a different color of yarn!

Lace Shawl Finished

!

 Back in early March, I started this lace shawl pattern (blog post is here).  It was a challenge for me because of some new stitches but also because of using the Portuguese knitting method.  I love, love, love this method of knitting.  With my arthritis, it was always so painful to knit...not so much as I was knitting but then I would stop and the next day.  Fingers/joints hurt so much but now I can knit for hours and nothing!!!!!  Anyway, with the assistance of questions I asked of Andrea Wong and referencing her classes online via Blueprint, I succeeded!  Woohoo

This was back on March 29, 2020 when I started on the edge of the shawl and ran out of yarn!!!  WHAT!!!!  Normally, this wouldn't be a big/panic deal but I only kept the wrapper with the name of the yarn and not the color of yarn!  Do you know how many colors look like this yarn on the web?  I did contact our local yarn shop but she didn't carry the yarn anymore in this colorway.  I finally bit the bullet and thought I'd take a chance and look on line....and found what I thought was, perhaps, the color I needed. at Eat.Sleep.Knit web site.  Figured I could return the skein and order another one!  Luckily, I hit on the right color the first time.  Whew!

I received the yarn about 10 days ago and worked on the scalloped edge last weekend!  Blocked it on Monday this past week and all finished!

Skywalker pattern by Laura Nelkin

I am really quite happy with how it turned out.  Is it perfect?  No, but just like our quilting, you don't let folks look toooooo closely at your work!  HA 

Honestly, any mistakes in the lace pattern are hard to see,  unless you are an expert, or my husband, and there really aren't that many!  I do wish I had purchased yarn in a spring shade, e.g. peach. 

 I'm still happy and now I know what to do for my next lace shawl, which I will do again!!!!

Just a few items....

I finished another sketch and cropping this weekend...and I cleaned up my dye/wet room and sewing room!!!  Woohoo!!!

The inspiration picture is at the top left...my attempt at the bottom!

These were my cropping attempts.  Actually, I kinda like them!

I found this so called 'cropping' tool inside of a photo frame!  I think it would be cool to have a piece of art work made in this triangle!

Not bad!

I think this is a fun exercise to do!  Now to find some other inspiration pictures!!!






AND the best news!!!!  I found the yarn I needed (in the right color!!!) and finished my lace shawl!!!  Here it is being blocked!!!!  I squished the entire piece in water, squeezed out most of the water and pinned to the carpet downstairs. 

  I am so excited to wear it but don't have anywhere to go right now!!! HA  I'm sure it will come in handy later this summer when we go out to eat at a restaurant that is freezing and I'm cold!  Not that the lace will keep me warm but I'll look good, right!  HA