tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45266387803357239712024-03-12T22:34:57.643-04:00............... I dream in fuchsia ................................... black and white is never enough ....................Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-87228956019081132262012-06-24T03:35:00.000-04:002012-06-24T03:36:09.142-04:00I'm bringing (machine) quilting backI've been doing a LOT of hand sewing lately, but very little machine work (and blogging), despite the fact that I've got a LOT of projects that are in various stages of completion that really need to get done. Today I finally got back in the groove of things since I have to make a baby quilt for a girl. And fast. Like the baby was due today. Or actually yesterday since it's now like 3 a.m.
Anyway. I found the cutest panels online a few months ago and just fell in love with them! It's from the <a href="http://www.pbtex.com/html/what.html">What a World</a> line by Jill McDonald. They are so, so cute. Here's one of the 15 different panels:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/7430394514/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7430394514_4d8c360485.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a>
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I don't have the best plan for this quilt; I've kind of been winging it so far. So far I've added a really thin border of white around each square and then am adding a thicker border of a black fabric with white polka dots. After that? I'm still figuring it out. Here's a preview though!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/7430390230/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7430390230_34dc8284f9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a>
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(And of course there's one of my quilting day essentials - a TV show on DVD that I love that I don't have to pay too much attention to, this time the Gilmore Girls.) Here's hoping I keep making progress tomorrow, er, today.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-6217302413785880912012-04-20T23:50:00.002-04:002012-04-20T23:51:44.158-04:00A finish!I've been busy working on a top secret project lately: a quilt for one of my sisters for her birthday!
This is the first quilt I've made for anyone in my family other than a wall hanging I made for my mom, so I was really excited to give it to her. My sister Michelle has got a great eye for color and design and has a gorgeously decorated house, so I also was a little nervous to make something for her. I'm happy to report that she loved it!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/7097489189/" title="IMG_2769 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5315/7097489189_00a6c9e890.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2769"></a>
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I was inspired by one of her guest rooms, which is painted a vibrant orange. She now uses it as a craft room when she doesn't have company, so I wanted to make something bright and modern. I bought all the fabrics the last time I went to quilt camp. They were already bundled together and I thought of her right away. <br><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6951415998/" title="IMG_2761 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/6951415998_250f64496f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2761"></a><br>
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I quilted it very simply in orange thread with straight-lines about a quarter-inch from the seams of the zig zags. <br><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6951411716/" title="IMG_2759 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/6951411716_5b52e64973.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2759"></a><br><br>
And I had this awesome green chevron fabric in my stash. I bought a couple yards of it a few months ago from Connecting Threads on clearance. It was perfect for this project! The quilt washed really well and was really soft and wrinkly when I pulled it out of the dryer. Even though I'm normally somewhat selfish about keeping things I make, mailing it off to my sister made me really happy!
Here are a few more photos of the quilt in progress, since I haven't been able to blog about it at all.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/7097435331/" title="IMG_2655 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5115/7097435331_7258f11fcc.jpg" width="368" height="500" alt="IMG_2655"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6951420936/" title="IMG_2677 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5160/6951420936_b0b24bf807.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2677"></a>
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Am I the only one that loves looking at color-coordinated trimmings?<br><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6951370932/" title="IMG_2662 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6951370932_d13135e6ec.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2662"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/7097491147/" title="IMG_2692 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7097491147_17635895b4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2692"></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-68684090906797941122012-03-10T13:44:00.002-05:002012-03-10T14:40:20.006-05:00You're killing me hereI love visiting the local library every now and again to check out its selection of books, especially the ones focused on quilting, knitting and other crafts. I try not to buy many craft books, unless I know I will use them a lot. They are so expensive and these days you can find so much information for free on the Internet.<br /><br />Anyway, as I was quickly picking out books this week, one of the ones I checked out was Cut-Loose Quilts, which encouraged a lot of "wonky" sewing ... free-form piecing and cutting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6970052957/" title="IMG_2644 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6970052957_99bf2d17a5.jpg" width="240" height="320" alt="IMG_2644"></a><br /><br />Sounds pretty cool, huh? That's what I was thinking. And I liked a lot of the quilts pictured in the book. But then I started reading it. <br /><br />Oh.<br /><br />My.<br /><br />God. <br /><br />I couldn't believe what I was seeing. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6970056031/" title="IMG_2641 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6970056031_3b41c1d6cf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2641"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6823931694/" title="IMG_2640 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6823931694_cee45accb8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2640"></a><br /><br />And this was included as an editor's note:<br /><br />"With respect to Jan's wicked wayz, we have honored her use of the letter z at the end of many words, as well as her intentional misspellings of words such as "goosez." Her use of z in place of s reflects the rule-breaking freedom and poetic license of her designs."<br /><br /><br />Uh, no. <br /><br />Reading that book was torture. I was done before I had barely started. What a hot mess.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-50413133281691244602012-03-06T00:03:00.003-05:002012-03-06T00:36:25.614-05:00Inspiration a la PinterestAlong with a large portion of the Internet, I have recently found myself wasting, I mean spending, a lot of time on Pinterest. And wow, there is so much to look at and be inspired by! One of my favorite quilt projects I've seen there are quilts that have blocks that look just like Polaroid photos. So cute! <br /><br />Of course I didn't waste hardly any time at all before I started digging through my novelty prints. I have a ton of novelty prints, but don't use them as often as I should in "normal" projects. So far, picking prints out that would work as "photographs" has been fun. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6958045453/" title="In progress - Polaroid photo blocks by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6958045453_dac1dd8100.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="In progress - Polaroid photo blocks"></a><br /><br />I haven't worked too much on this quilt so far, but it has been nice to have a different project to pick up once in a while between my obligation projects and my ongoing handquilting spree.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-47711998018261027712012-01-28T21:58:00.002-05:002012-01-28T22:34:58.696-05:00My oldest work in progress?For some reason, I've been OBSESSED with quilting lately. That, and fabric (looking at it, buying it, arranging it in coordinated piles, etc.) The fabric obsession isn't something new (duh), but I've really been quilting a lot lately. Like every single day for the last few weeks, which is pretty impressive for me. <br /><br />I can't say that I've gotten a lot done, but I've endeavored to do a little every day, even if it's only for a half-hour or so. The main thing I've been doing is handquilting, and there is a reason you don't see a lot of blogs focused on showing people's handquilting work: it is so very, very slow! <br /><br />I think it's a good thing my first two quilts were a) bed size and b) hand sewn and handquilted. It's taught me a bit of patience (this was about 15 years ago and before quilt blogs) and I had no clue that it didn't take most people three years or more to finish a quilt! Now that I've gone more the machine route, my patience isn't quite as good as it used to be, but I still enjoy sewing and quilting by hand. In my opinion, it's usually more relaxing than machine sewing. <br /><br />Anyway, one of the projects that I've dug out of my (very crowded) box of works in progress is my first attempt at my postage stamp quilt. (I'm currently on version 2 - see *** details below.) I started the first version years ago, way back when I first started quilting, around 12-15ish years ago. It's hard to believe it's been that long! <br /><br />I began by cutting 1.5-inch squares out of the very first fabrics I bought (boy, my taste was interesting) and from scraps my mom had. I started sewing them together by hand with white squares between them. My interest in the project waned and I abandoned it pretty early, and it's been sitting around ever since. (With the second version of the postage stamp quilt, I decided to get rid of the white and just work with all the other fabrics -- so far I like that a lot better.)<br /><br />It seemed wasteful to just let it sit, so I finally pulled it out of my WIP box a few weeks ago and took it to quilt camp, with the plan to layer it and make it into either a doll quilt or a wallhanging. I decided to handquilt it, and have made a little bit of progress, although it's kind of hard to quilt, since there is so much fabric between the layers due to all the seam allowances (and it wasn't easy to press it very well.) I've just been doing diagonal lines through the white blocks in a rainbow thread. Here's a preview picture:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6752811099/" title="IMG_2503 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6752811099_8508388746.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2503"></a><br /><br />*** (I first mentioned working on a postage stamp quilt (this was version 2) on my blog back in February 2009! Links to current PSQ project: <a href="http://fuchsiadreams.blogspot.com/2009/02/test-of-my-patience.html">postage stamp</a> <a href="http://fuchsiadreams.blogspot.com/2011/02/postage-stamp-progress.html">quilt</a>.)Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-84062265585890294792012-01-23T22:23:00.003-05:002012-01-23T22:38:08.531-05:00New year, new projectAfter ogling the <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2010/04/scrappy-paintbox-quilt-finished.html">scrappy paintbox quilt</a> featured on Oh, Fransson! for years, I've finally started to make one of my own. Actually I am making two (eek!) of them -- one for myself and one as a graduation gift for my niece. <br /><br />I started them while at quilt camp last weekend, and so far they have been slow going. I'm trying to use as many scraps as humanly possible, so that is slowing me down a fair bit. With the help of my mom, we sorted through all my strip scraps and pulled out ones that go along with the solid colors that I have. None of them are cut to the right size though, so I am having to do that as I go along. <br /><br />Here's the pile of 2.5-inch squares I am picking some of my centers from. Ahh, love the rainbows!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6737048095/" title="IMG_2370 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6737048095_a4a817cb15.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="IMG_2370"></a><br /><br />And my finished blocks so far. All I've done so far are pinks -- I need to get going! Still, I think it will be great when it's all finished. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6752809519/" title="IMG_2512 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6752809519_7362f101ff.jpg" width="500" height="399" alt="IMG_2512"></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-54945198296712376442012-01-22T11:11:00.001-05:002012-01-22T11:11:00.437-05:00Handmade Christmas, part 2This post definitely isn't very timely, but seeing how it's posted within one month of Christmas itself, I'll call it a success in my book. :)<br /><br />Anyway. I made this scarf for my niece, Stephani, as a Christmas/birthday gift. Last year (I think it was), I knitted scarves for my sisters, and my sister Cheryl (Steph's mom) uses hers all the time (yay!). Stephani asked that I make her a red scarf that was similar, so I was glad to. I love anyone that appreciates my handmade gifts! <br /><br />I wasn't crazy about the yarn that I used -- Lion Brand Homespun -- because it was really splitty to work with, but the finished product turned out really pretty and soft, so that's the important thing. I made the scarf so long, it took almost two complete skeins of yarn! The pattern was just an easy K2, P2 rib, and it turned out plenty squishy but still laid flat. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6737049815/" title="Image by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6737049815_dc41ea1310.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Image"></a><br /><br />This marked the end of my Christmas crafting this year. I really wanted to make more, but 2011 was not my best year as far as planning ahead and getting stuff done early. I was working on this project right up until Christmas eve! Next year will be better, I promise!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-44303007320680047772012-01-19T03:12:00.003-05:002012-01-19T04:00:28.385-05:00Finished!I was super happy to get this Jungle Baby quilt finished for my friend Elizabeth, who is due to have a boy in a couple of weeks. I gave it to her this week at work and she said she loved it. <br /><br />These pictures aren't great, but they were the best I could get at work. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6724561117/" title="IMG_2496 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6724561117_8745b503a5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2496"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6724562009/" title="IMG_2497 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6724562009_9dc5c5cb0b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2497"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6724562791/" title="IMG_2500 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6724562791_3e8a97fe82.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2500"></a><br /><br />I used this <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/01/building-blocks-baby-quilt.html#more">Moda Bake Shop pattern</a> for this quilt with a few changes. The original pattern suggested cutting all the pieces from a layer cake, but I just used fabrics I already had in my stash (yay me!). Another change I made was the size of the inner square in each block. The pattern said to cut that piece 3.5 inches, but I cut mine 4 inches, which worked better for the jungle animal fabrics I decided to use. I had these fabrics for quite a while, and fussy cutting them for this quilt worked out so well! I am really happy with how this project turned out. <br /><br />The quilt got nice and crinkly after I washed it -- perfect! The back is the same striped fabric I used for the binding. <br /><br /><br /><br />In unrelated news, I am having a bad pain night. :( The pain (which tonight is like stabbing in my left heel - fun!) isn't the worst it's ever been, but it's bad enough that I have been up for like 2.5 hours and not able to fall back asleep. I've taken a couple of painkillers and some Advil and I'm still hurting. Ugh, so frustrating. I really miss the days when I could sleep easily through the night. And be awake and alert all day at work. Sigh.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-46215179066649739472012-01-15T20:45:00.002-05:002012-01-15T20:49:21.425-05:00Preview from quilt campI just returned from quilt camp today (and had a fabulous time) and don't feel like doing a complete rundown of all the projects I worked on, but here's a little preview of the main project I focused on over the weekend. I'm so thankful I was able to go!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6705125243/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6705125243_c3c8039755.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-60214311193374308052011-12-29T00:05:00.003-05:002011-12-29T00:29:32.567-05:00Handmade Christmas, part 1Once again I tried as much as I could to make homemade gifts for my friends and family this year for Christmas. I don't know if it was that I was lazy, disorganized, busy or waited too long to start, but I was working on stuff up until the early hours of Christmas morning. Ugh! I really, really have to do better next year. <br /><br />Anyway, I made a couple cool projects this year. <br /><br />This was my absolute favorite — a Harry Potter made from felt, stuffing, yarn, and embroidery thread for my niece. He turned out so great! Now I totally want to make some more characters. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6361532039/" title="IMG_2179 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6117/6361532039_656bb9596e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2179"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6361532393/" title="IMG_2182 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6361532393_446f082ceb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2182"></a><br /><br />I had a little trouble getting him sewn together, especially his head. I made up my own pattern and didn't really think about how I was going to attach his head to his body — making the little scarf helped cover up his weird chin seam. And it made him look jaunty.<br /><br />I also made some knitted dishcloths. I was so rushed with a few of them that I didn't even take photos. Whoops. Here's two that I finished early.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6592308179/" title="IMG_2289 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6592308179_0388054a35.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2289"></a><br /><br />One of my friends has a little girl who often makes little things for me. I try to make her handmade gifts, but I was stumped this year. Inspiration finally struck though, and I ended up with this — a little quilt and pillows for her stuffed animals. The quilt was re-purposed from a quilt-as-you-go project I have been working on for a long time.<br /><br />Here's the quilt modeled by one of my bears.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6592313881/" title="IMG_2286 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6592313881_fb9d318483.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2286"></a><br /><br />And the set with the pillows.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6592313015/" title="IMG_2285 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6592313015_4b85722e03.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2285"></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-8922231025465458842011-11-20T09:08:00.001-05:002011-11-20T09:08:00.354-05:00Look familiar?I have no clue how many times I've posted about this quilt, but heaven knows I've been working on it FOREVER. Like so long that I'm on my third sewing machine since I started this. I started it with my first machine that died way too young, then had an interim machine that a friend gave me when my first one went kaput. Now I'm on Buster, who so far has proved to be a very trustworthy companion. Knock on wood. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6361531071/" title="IMG_2174 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6093/6361531071_d8c5ae08e1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2174"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/3084287405/" title="Detail of quilting by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3289/3084287405_eb82d667ca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Detail of quilting"></a><br /><br />One of the reasons as to why it is taking me so long to finish (other than my obsession with hand quilting all these multicolor circles of different sizes on it) is that the strips aren't sewn together all that great. The tension on my first machine was off and a lot of the strips aren't very secure. So much so that I've been having to go back and hand sew a few of the seams together better so the white stitches are no longer visible. <br /><br />You can kinda see it in this photo:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5595660381/" title="IMG_2047 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5107/5595660381_c10e0947c8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2047"></a><br /><br />Anyway, it's been labor intensive to say the least. But I love it so much. I can't wait until it's finished and on my bed.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-41149818629492170992011-11-18T23:02:00.003-05:002011-11-18T23:33:17.167-05:00Hello againThere are a few reasons why I don't blog regularly. One involves me being super unproductive, another is that I'm in a serious funk. <br /><br />Luckily, neither of those is the case recently. :D I've just been busy. And happy. And productive. At least I am most of the time. <br /><br />This week I finished one of the projects that has been hanging over my head like a cloud, the butterfly baby quilt.<br /><br />I am so, so glad I kept at it though. All the time I put into it was worth it because it turned out SO good! I really hope my friend Kathy, who paid me to make it for her second daughter, is happy with it. It went in the mail earlier this week. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6361208455/" title="IMG_2163 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6233/6361208455_cf9f8df83c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2163"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6361208931/" title="IMG_2164 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6092/6361208931_8f4ddc55f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2164"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6361210125/" title="IMG_2165 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/6361210125_78f6f6f954.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2165"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6361210567/" title="IMG_2133 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6100/6361210567_4a1230c070.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2133"></a><br /><br />On to the next unfinished project!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-10758772792718188002011-10-05T19:05:00.001-04:002011-10-05T19:05:00.175-04:00I'm not a morning personBut every once in a while I'm glad to be up early for work. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6212950808/" title="IMG_2857 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6212950808_474b9bd118.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2857"></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-22436969592033229682011-10-04T20:32:00.003-04:002011-10-04T20:58:03.276-04:00Slow and steadyI've been trying to work on the butterfly quilt, but it has been slow going. I seem to stall out on parts of the process I don't want to do, like cutting strips and whatnot. I really need to get in gear. Really.<br /><br />Here's a look at the fabrics I'm using for the blocks (which are actually all done, I've stalled on the cutting of the sashing strips.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6212434757/" title="IMG_2847 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6212434757_2a0e35c252.jpg" width="500" height="296" alt="IMG_2847"></a><br /><br />Want to know part of the reason why it's so hard for me to get much done? This seems to be a common occurrence around here. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6212436063/" title="IMG_2840 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6212436063_a7a547a6de.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2840"></a><br /><br />Sigh. Maybe someday I'll get my act together.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-65690979724675137942011-09-10T18:29:00.005-04:002011-10-04T20:31:22.661-04:00I need the distraction ...While watching and posting updates of the Purdue and Rice football game today. (It's been a tough game to watch so far.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6134324034/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6134324034_d862dcc360.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />This is a custom baby quilt order for my friend, Kathy. It's for her second little girl, Kaitlyn. I made this quilt for her first daughter, Grace, last year. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/4119692493/" title="Flower baby quilt by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2780/4119692493_0910179741.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Flower baby quilt"></a><br /><br />The current quilt will have a similar layout, but with butterflies instead of flowers. And with a different color scheme, this time using pink, green, white and brown. I've only got about 3.5 more blocks to finish the hand applique on, then can put them together to quilt. I hope it turns out cute!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-21577675339951078282011-09-09T19:35:00.000-04:002011-09-09T19:35:00.761-04:00Backblogged - Winners & LosersWalmart. It's always an interesting trip. I found these in the women's section a couple weeks ago. Oh my.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6036435154/" title="IMG_2796 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/6036435154_0a31bf4c2d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2796"></a><br /><br />Needless to say, I didn't find any cute clothes there to buy. The trip wasn't a total loss. I found this Peanuts flannel in the fabric section. So cute! I am thinking I will either make pillowcases or some pajama pants or shorts. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6035880999/" title="IMG_2803 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/6035880999_dbe36e45a1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2803"></a><br /><br />I also couldn't pass these up. Yum! I wish Target would stock them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6035881899/" title="IMG_2823 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6035881899_ec53f932e0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2823"></a><br /><br />While at Walmart, I also stopped by the Fashion Bug next store since I had a $10 off anything coupon. I found a couple cute summer shirts on clearance and a pair of cropped jeans. This one is my favorite.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6036435380/" title="IMG_2800 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/6036435380_5441f045b0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2800"></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-86764717598982142562011-09-08T18:05:00.000-04:002011-09-08T18:05:00.943-04:00Finished (a few weeks ago)I've really been working along on a variety of projects lately, but sadly neglecting my blog. Anyway, here's a look at the entire order of dishcloths I finished a couple weeks ago. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5981417373/" title="IMG_2792 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5981417373_b52d93b5de.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2792"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5981417477/" title="IMG_2793 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5981417477_5050edd359.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2793"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5981417707/" title="IMG_2795 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5981417707_20b17ea9e3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2795"></a><br /><br />I really had fun making these and have since made two more. And (what is common behavior for me) bought enough cotton yarn for several more. I'm always like "WHEE! So fun! Must knit hundreds of dishcloths, so will buy enough yarn for all of them now!" Then a day later I get distracted by another craft project.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-38549222345163654112011-09-07T18:11:00.001-04:002011-09-07T19:05:28.034-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/6124954291/" title="IMG_2710 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6124954291_68da02cbfe.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2710"></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-22094637993735559402011-07-15T19:43:00.003-04:002011-07-15T20:03:57.747-04:00Moving right alongI've been steadily working on the order of 10 dishcloths I mentioned in my previous post. So far I've made five, and did each of them in a different design. I really hope the woman who is paying me for them doesn't mind them being different, since I think I would certainly go a bit nuts if I had to do them all alike. Variety is the spice of life, after all. <br /><br />She asked for dishcloths that would go with a tan kitchen, and also said she likes orange and yellow. I've been working with those colors the best that I could, considering I haven't had much luck finding all cotton yarn that is actually tan. I did find one that was beige and darker beige (my personal color nightmare house-wise), so I hoped that was close enough. <br /><br />Here they are in all their dishwash-y glory.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5931770771/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5931770771_352707f7ae.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5931769205/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5931769205_105dec2bdc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5932319852/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5932319852_a2e05cd9ee.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5932322346/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5932322346_028f7b5e72.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5941083367/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5941083367_ca090280ba.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5941093843/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5941093843_90aec36eb6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />And I couldn't help but notice, but between these dishcloths and the socks I started recently: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5931772805/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5931772805_01245242ef.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />and this fabric stack I bought this week at Michael's: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5932263754/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5932263754_311fc78415.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />there seems to be a color scheme developing for the month of July.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-64040239660767748182011-07-08T07:25:00.000-04:002011-07-08T07:25:00.373-04:00Yet another new projectI seem to have gotten over that slump I was in a couple weeks ago when I didn't feel like working on anything. The bad part of this equation is that I keep wanting to work on new projects instead of something I've already started. <br /><br />Work on the shawl has been going great, but it's a lot of the same thing. The same colors and stitches, and since it's gotten so big, it takes a long time to even finish a couple rows. So of course it only made sense to start another pair of socks. <br /><br />I wanted to use one of my own hand-painted skeins, so I pulled out the three that I was most drawn to at the moment. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5910876920/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5111/5910876920_4bd0c81494.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />(The colors in the photo are kind of washed out - all of the yarns are more vibrant in person.) After pondering this decision for quite a while, I decided to go with the yellow, pink and orange one, since it seemed the most summery to me. And I've been wanting a pair of yellow socks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5910878660/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/5910878660_a4504df15d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />I started working on this pattern called Waterfall Socks. It's a pretty pattern, but really simple. That was key for me - I didn't really want to start anything that would require much concentration. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5910875146/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5910875146_4172ce034a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />I don't think I'll get much of these done in the near future though. I was working on them this week while in the waiting room of my doctor's office, and a woman came by and asked me about them. We talked for a few minutes and she told me she loves knitted dishcloths, but hasn't found any for sale recently. I offered to make her some and turns out she wants 10! I won't get paid a whole lot for them, but it will help me use up some of the cotton yarn I've been stashing and make a few bucks. Works for me! (Ask me if I feel the same way after I've knit those 10 dishcloths.)Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-41540363163005032942011-07-07T17:25:00.000-04:002011-07-07T17:25:00.470-04:00Inspiration from weird places part 2I've been trying to pay more attention to color schemes and design ideas more in my day-to-day life, because I think this helps me stay creative. I sometimes seem to get into slumps and look to other people and their work for inspiration, but I don't want to depend on that all the time. <br /><br />Anyway, when I was doing laundry the other day, I noticed the colors and patterns of these items and really liked how they looked. Orange, green, turquoise, black and white wouldn't normally be a color combination I would use, but I love how it looks here. It would make a great quilt or colors for hand-dyed yarn.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5844415782/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/5844415782_89bf5d1b83.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-83982921615149920582011-07-06T21:52:00.003-04:002011-07-06T22:11:52.813-04:00WIP - Shawl updateI've been working pretty steadily on the knitted shawl I started about two weeks ago. I'm about done with the striped portion and will have to do the border next. I know I will have to block this, but I have no idea how big it will end up or if it will be a good size for me and my mammoth shoulders. I am not really liking the idea of figuring out how to make it larger, so I'll probably just cross my fingers and hope for the best. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5910870320/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5910870320_de4c83c1d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />Having so many works in progress means I have found a good use for some of those box bags I made! They are a perfect size for this type of project. I keep thinking I will post some of these to sell on etsy, but haven't gotten around to it yet. (Story of my life. I love making stuff to sell, but hate writing the little descriptions for the items on etsy. Must. Get. Motivated.) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5910872600/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5311/5910872600_1be42fbc50.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-71396065146412704082011-06-25T00:15:00.004-04:002011-06-25T00:30:56.590-04:00Lending a hand. Or a neck.I finally finished my latest pair of hand-knit socks - seen <a href="http://fuchsiadreams.blogspot.com/2011/04/masterihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifng-http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifzipper.html">here</a> inside this bag and again <a href="http://fuchsiadreams.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-dyeing-again.html">here</a> when I found them amongst my widely strewn craft projects. They turned out perfect and fit so well! I haven't yet taken a photo of the finished pair, but plan to soon.<br /><br />Anyway, since I can't seem to go a couple days without starting something new, I am ready to tackle my first knitted shawl. I'm planning to do this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cladonia">one</a> called Cladonia, designed by Kirsten Kapur. I think it is so, so beautiful, but not super dressy, which is perfect for me. I think the stripes make it a bit more casual, but with just enough lace to get your attention.<br /><br />Before I can really begin though I have to wind my yarn hanks into center-pull balls so they are easier to use. I have a yarn winder, but no swift, so I have found a perfect stand-in. <br /><br />Martha.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5868618292/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5868618292_609242746a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />She's the perfect size to hold a hank of yarn, keeping it tangle free while I wind it up. And she is super cuddly and cute as well.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-88457125714176198352011-06-01T22:41:00.004-04:002011-06-02T00:48:37.841-04:00A good matchDuring my last trip to quilt camp (in, uh, February), I finished this top after lots of indecisiveness about the layout. I tried a lot of different options and nothing seemed perfect. This was my favorite one, though.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5486075219/" title="IMG_2219 by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5486075219_7362510f0c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2219"></a><br /><br />It's made from a layer cake of Santorini by Lila Tueller. I don't usually have the nerve to mix so many large prints together, but I really like this line, especially the fabrics that look like stained glass. Anyway, because the prints were so large, I wanted to make sure to not cut the pieces too small, otherwise I would have lost a lot of the patterns.<br /><br />Months and months ago I had sewn all the fabrics into half-square triangle blocks, but then it sat around my apartment for a while, because I was perplexed as to how I wanted to lay it out. Then at camp the indecisiveness continued. (For some reason, I agonize over decisions all.the.time. You would think it would be choices about my last quilt or last meal EVER, but no, it's usually not very important stuff.)<br /><br />I am happy with how it looks, although it seems a bit unbalanced color-wise to me. I am hoping that after I quilt it that it blends together a bit better. <br /><br />I picked out fabrics for the back and binding last time when I went to Joann Fabrics. I am very satisfied with what I found, because sometimes I find it hard to match the color shades from one line of fabric (usually Moda lines) and the basic fabrics I buy elsewhere. (The green is for the back and the pink is for the binding.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25887745@N08/5776205293/" title="Untitled by curlygirl75, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5776205293_1bd2ac85ec.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br /><br />I'm really looking forward to finishing this!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4526638780335723971.post-50812336358115612272011-05-30T11:40:00.004-04:002011-05-30T15:55:09.167-04:00StuckI was thinking that the reason I haven't been quilting was because I've been so busy doing other crafty things and reading a lot. <br /><br />Maybe not. I sat out in my living room for like an hour earlier trying to pick a project to work on and NOTHING appealed to me. At least not any projects that are in progress. Many of them are held up in one stage or another (mostly finished tops), and nothing is getting done. <br /><br />I have SO many projects started that I feel guilty starting another. But when it comes down to starting something new or not quilting at all, I'm torn. I can't keep starting quilt tops and never actually layering and then quilting them. I think the main problem is that I don't have anywhere in my apartment where I can baste or pin quilts. That is a definite challenge. I think I may have to use the tables at work again soon so I can remedy my huge backlog of quilt tops.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03284116093523441991noreply@blogger.com2