Furry Floozies

English Garden Carpetbag finished

2007-11-18T05:31:00.000-08:00

Finished the English Garden Carpetbag, a Terry Ross design. Pattern available at http://www.straw.com/ I loved working this bag, it's the second one I've made. The first one was in a Spring colorway. This one is (obviously) in a Fall colorway. I used Crystal Palace Taos and Aran to knit the body of the bag. I used Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Maple Syrup and Carrot - double stranded for the knitted i-cord. I made a bunch of embellishments using Terry's directions, as well as some leaves from different Nicky Epstein books, including her "Knit Hat" book, an earlier book of hers, but one of my all-time favorites. I did not use a i-cord, or the Crystal Palace deco ribbon for the vine, rather I used KP Wool of the Andes and made a flatter cord, but just casting on a ton of stitches, knitting one row, and then binding off. Additionally I felted all of the embellishments, including the flowers. The only item(s) not felted were the small bobbles in the middle of the flowers. I also decided to put embellishments on all sides of the bag. This bag was made in conjunction with the Felted Bag KAL Yahoo group.

Progress on the English Garden Carpetbag

2007-11-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

Just posting a few photos of the English Garden Carpetbag...progress on the fall colorway...unfelted, felted, and the leaf embellishments I plan to use....

been too busy on Ravelry to post regularly on my blog---

More Finished Scarves

2007-10-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

The one on the left is Edgar, from Knitty.com, made with Noro Silk Garden. The one on the right is My So Called Scarf, made with Manos del Uruguay in Wildflower.

Finished Scarves

2007-10-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Lots of progress on knitting scarves the last few weeks. I need a few more to finish out my holiday gift-giving, but here's a sampling of finished ones. I'm finally taking some time to update my Ravelry notebook too!

First, the multidirectional diagonal scarves...the one on the left was made with Artful Yarns Legend. The one on the right was made with Wool in the Woods yarn. And the next one was made with Patons SWS.

Mark Lipinski....what more can I say?

2007-10-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Mark Lipinski.....great lecturer....great teacher......

what more can I say?

Virtual Vacation Swap package received

2007-09-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

My Virtual Vacation Swap partner was SO generous! Look at what I got! Everything was from Germany. Four skeins of yarn, a new mouse pad, postcard photos, candy, candy, and marzipan!, soaps and a really nice note! Thank you so much!

more photos of DC

2007-08-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Federal Triangle, the Old Post Office and my son snapped off this photo of Truck 10 as it passed in front of the captial building

Washington, DC

2007-08-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

A few photos from our DC trip...we enjoyed the fighter pilot simulator at the Air & Space Museum, seeing how our currency is made at the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, the tanks at the Aquarium, and spending time with family.

quilts ready for the machine quilter

2007-08-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have 2 pieced wall-hangings ready to go to the quilter. The first is the kitchen quilt made with fabrics from Kaye's Kitchen. The second is from the book "Foundation Pieced Nature Quilts"...coneflower.

messin' around with Kaleidoscope Kreator

2007-07-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

I purchased Kaleidoscope Kreater from Ghee's with the intention of taking some family photos, converting them to kaleidoscopes, and then printing them on fabric. But, impatient person that I am, decided to just try it out with some photos that I snagged off the 'web'. Here is the original photo from oldhousegardens.com and a few of my kaleidoscope images made with that photo.

Wooly Thoughts

2007-07-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't posted in a while, but not because I haven't been knitting. Actually I've been knitting and sewing. I'm just hesitant to continue to post UFO's. I need to make this weekend a 'finish weekend'. However I'm posting my work in progress for the Wooly Thoughts Cushion conglomeration Caper. Wooly Thoughts is a Yahoo group that I belong to, and we're doing a knit-a-long so-to-speak. The idea is to create a cushion cover approximately 18" square by making squares, triangles, etc with either 45, 90 or 135 degree angles. I was asked to design shape #3 which is the parallelogram...seen here attached to the square which was knit side-ways and the triangle. It's a true test of my math skills. The other challenge has been in picking up stitches which I've had to do each time I've added a shape. It's giving me great practice in this somewhat intimidating knitting skill. Upon looking at the shape as it is now, I realize that at some point I will have to do short rows...however, I've had lots of practice with that while knitting up some 30 lizard ridge afghan squares.

Stars & Stripes (partially completed)

2007-07-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here are the before and after photos of "Stars & Stripes". This pattern was designed by Terry Ross and is being shared with members of the Bag-A-Holic yahoo group of which I am a member.

The larger bag was made according to pattern directions, doubled yarn. The smaller bag was made with smaller needles and the yarn was not doubled. I think it will make a nice coin/make-up purse to go in the larger bag...I may even attempt a lining and zipper. It's a darn good thing that this purse was felted, because the pattern called for a crochet edge...I CAN NOT crochet..however, I don't think I did such a bad job at the attempt to do a single crochet edge. I'm so glad I caught an episode of Knitty Gritty where someone was putting a crochet edge on a pillow...from watching that I figured out how to hold the yarn and the hook, and how many times to pull the yarn through. It worked.

You'll see a bit of the white showing through the red on the edges....I carried my yarn up the side as I knit when I changed colors...it isn't too obvious after the bag was felted, but I'm wondering how to correct this for a future project.

In the second photo I have some of the supplies that I will be using to embellish the bag. I think I will put the white star buttons on the small bag, and then attempt to make some polymer clay stars for the larger bag (as per Terry's instructions). Terry said 'it's easy', so if it's true, I've learned 2 things this week...simple crochet edge and how to handle polymer! Thanks Terry! Terry used a tieback cord for her handle, but I wasn't able to find anything suitable in craft world (my upstairs office), however I did find some long red shoelaces that match perfectly color-wise, so I may braid them for the handle...hope to post the finished photos in a few days!

Happy Fourth of July!

Yeah...It's MY birthday!

2007-07-04T12:35:00.001-07:00

Here are a few birthday photos! I'm 46 today......

Kitchen Quilt

2007-06-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the start of my kitchen quilt. I still have to add borders, the top to the cabinet, as well as the feet. I'd also like to do some fancy lettering on the jam jar and recipe box. The paper-pieced block patterns are from a book called "Cups & Saucers" by Maaike Bakker. I used fabric called "Kaye's Kitchen" that I purchased a few years ago...maybe 4. I really wanted to use the light green shown in some of the blocks (called mint linen) for the border and found some after diligently "google-searching', at Fabric Shack....and at a great price too.

Sunday Sewing - Fall Paper Piece Block Swap

2007-06-17T16:25:00.001-07:00

I recently joined the Carol Doak Paper Piecing Yahoo Group. I signed up for the Fall Block Swap, and even tho the blocks aren't due in until August 24th, I decided to 'whip' them up today. I think I'll surprise the hostess by mailing them tomorrow! I can see these blocks in a Fall-themed table runner.

Greetings From Knit Cafe ~~ Bikini finished

2007-06-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

My local yarn store, North Fork Stitches recently had a trunk show featuring some of the items from "Greetings From Knit Cafe". I loved the little bikini.....and worked it up using Noro Tidiori on size 3 needles. Great pattern once I got the left slant and right slant increases down. And Yes, it fits, but I won't be posting the photo here!

French Night

2007-06-10T12:33:00.001-07:00

Another successful Dinner Party....last night we had French Night. I made Salad Nicoise...the recipe called for grilled seafood, so it was obviously minus the egg. The dressing was delicious, a blend of red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dried thyme, s & p, and olive oil. The tuna steaks and yellow squash were brushed with the dressing, while the jumbo shrimp and sea scallops received a 15 minute marinate. All that was then grilled outdoors. The beans were blanched until crisp tender, then chilled with more of the dressing. The red pepper was roasted on my gas stove, peeled and then all the ingredients were served on red leaf lettuce with cherry tomatoes and olives. We all agreed it was a great 'summer' recipe and plate presentation was nice visually. We had wonderful Strawberry & Marscapone Cheese crepes (made by Colleen) for dessert. Then 3 games of Scrabble.

Next month is American BBQ Fare and a Hot Tub Party!

Answers to the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap Questionnaire

2007-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the questions and answers - I've joined in on the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap. More information can be found here:
http://virtualvacationswap.blogspot.com/2007/05/sign-ups-officially-begin-friday-june.html

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?
I would love to visit Southern California, mainly to see the beaches. Hawaii would be my second choice. I absolutely love the warm climates.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be any why?
At some point in my life, I would like to travel through Europe. I have a friend who went to Italy last year, and my parents just got back from Germany.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providences/countries?
Many, many years ago I flew to Alberta, Canada; rented a car and drove around British Columbia. Beautiful Country. I've driven through many of the East Coast states, and have plans to drive from Long Island, NY to Fredericksburg, VA this summer. I'll also be attending the Knit & Crochet Show in Manchester, NH in July.

4. Have you ever visited someplace exotic? Where was it?
I've been to Bermuda. I would definitely go again, loved the pink sand!

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?
At least every other year, my son and I travel to Disney World in Orlando, FL. That has to be my favorite travel destination.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state?
I live on the North Fork of Long Island in the heart of Wine Country. I almost have to play tourist every day. I also enjoy traveling to upstate New York in the summer, as well as frequent trips to Manhattan.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beachcomber or an amusement seeker?
I enjoy going to musems, and I do like going to the beach, as long as it isn't dreadfully hot. If it's 72 degrees and sunny, I'll sit at the beach for hours (as long as I have my knitting with me!) Re: amusement seeker...the Disney comment speaks for itself.

8. What's your favorite yarn?
I'm currently hooked on Berroco Love It right now. It was introduced in the Spring, and I've already used it on 3 different projects. In the winter, I prefer working with wool. Cascade and Noro Kureyon are 2 of my favorites.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?
I hate to sound like a yarn snob, but I'm not a big fan of anything acrylic, unless it's a really nice blend with less than 15% acrylic.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?
I enjoy making sweaters and jackets; bags; dishcloths; and scarves. Basically anything except socks! Just can't seem to enjoy working with 4 double pointeds at one time. I've always been aerobically challenged anyhow.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?
Usually I pack the project that I'm currently working on, as well as 2 other WIP's because I never know when I might get 'stuck on' a section of a pattern, or I simply feel like working on something else. Sometimes, I'll just grab some yarn, needles and a pattern and begin something new while on vacation.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than knit/crochet?
I love to quilt, which is a lot less portable than knitting. I've made several quilts over the years. I'd like to improve my sewing skills because I'd love to make some of the Amy Butler bags and skirts. I'd also like to learn how to crochet. My local yarn store is going to give me a quick lesson when I'm ready.

13. Are you allergic to anything?
Nothing, except maybe doing laundry.

14. What is your favorite color? Least favorite?
I think I like greens/purples/blues, but I really do love all colors.

15. Sweet or Savory?
Not real big on either actually.

16. Anything else?
If I think of it, I'll post it here!

ELIQG Quilt Show

2007-06-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Eastern Long Island Quilter's Guild held their annual show at Suffolk Community College on June 2nd & 3rd.

Training Night

2007-06-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

Monday night is training night at my fire department. One night a couple of weeks ago, our 'new truck' chairman took some of us out to train on the new truck. Here are a few pictures.

Thought I'd Share

2007-05-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Not much knitting lately...gearing up for a busy summer at my job, and I have a bunch of items that need finishing. But, I thought I'd share a few 'nature' photos I took during my trip to FL in early May. Both of these photos were taken at Busch Gardens in Tampa

Lizard Ridge Afghan Squares Progress

2007-04-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Progress on the Lizard Ridge Afghan(Knitty.com Fall Pattern) thus far...13 blocked and 6 to be blocked, and one OTN, and then 6 to go. I started out hoping to use mostly blue & green Noro Kureyon, but ended up mixing in a bunch of colorways, and I do like the fact that I went in that direction. Ends still need to be sewn in, which should have been done {before} blocking......

I have to learn how to crochet so that I can edge the entire blanket when I finally have it all sewn up.

Happy Easter

2007-04-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Chris and I are going over to my sister's tomorrow for Easter Dinner, and I offered to bring CAKE! This is carrot cake with cream cheese icing, and flaked coconut tinted with NEON food coloring.

Silk-Tie-Dyed Easter Eggs

2007-04-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Just finished making some hard boiled eggs. I have been using this technique for a few years. I saw it done on "Martha" awhile ago. You take 100% silk ties and cut the fabric apart, then wrap a raw egg in the fabric, cover it with cheesecloth, and twist tie it at the top, then hard boil the eggs in a mixture of water and white vinegar. When you unwrap the eggs, you'll get a nice surprise.

Company is Coming!

2007-03-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just finished setting the table for tonight's "Spanish night" get-together. Last month we had "Thai night".... so I've decided to continue with the once a month ethnic dinner.
Tonight we're having Spanish Garlic Soup and Arroz Con Pollo. I'll be in the kitchen with Colleen, while the others chat in the living room. Colleen is an exceptional cook, and it's such a fun get-together. She's not happy about the mis-matched china, but I told her it's a "Martha-thing". I'm happy to be using my little salt & pepper dishes that I bought an antique shop a LONG time ago.

2007-03-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

It was a week for getting goodies in the mail...BIG TIME.

First, I received my International Tote Exchange III package from my partner. She sent a beautiful bag that she knit and felted...I love it. It is lined very nicely, has a snap, and even has feet. I could take a lesson from her. I wimp out when it comes time to lining my bags...I just haven't found a sure-way of making something that fits AND looks nice and neat. She sent other goodies, shown in the photo...Thank you. On the other side, I finally was able to send out my Tote III package to my partner. I sent her some chocolates, a dishcloth, and a cable bag that I made. The other goodies received were some Sunflower Scrubbies that I had asked my friend from Bag-A-Holic's Yahoo Group, Kyle Ann to make for me. I LOVE these...they are a gift for a particular someone (who hopefully WILL NOT see my blog - Mom - don't tell Christina).....Then, I received my Reynolds Saucy Sport from Cotton Clouds and WEBS. (See previous post regarding the top I (cast on for last night) just had to make from the latest issue of Knit Simple. I have to say Cotton Clouds was ABSOLUTELY without a doubt the nicest yarn company to work with. She had most of the colors (but not all, so hence the other order from WEBS)...and I received it beautifully packaged, with actual yarn samples, her sales information, information about the yarns she carries, and the yarn sample card for all of the Saucy Sport colors). Finally, I received a package from my mom, included with "The Friday Night Knitting Club"...of which, I had my mother RACE all over Charlotte, NC to get Kate Jacobs to autograph it!, was a crochet pin cushion that I have been begging for. One of these days I will take a class on crochet......

Lizard Ridge Squares #2

2007-03-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here are my "just knit it" squares...see previous post for my idea on making this an "organized color" project.

Lizard Ridge Afghan Blocks

2007-03-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Lizard Ridge Afghan Blocks - set #1

First, a little background information:

The pattern for these squares can be found at: http://www.knitty.com/issuefall06/PATTlizardridge.html

and here is the link to the Leapin' Lizards Knit-A-Long:

http://fuzzynoodleknits.typepad.com/leapin_lizards/

I have fallen in love with this simple short-row pattern. The photos above are my 'first' blocks. Originally I wanted to find one colorway of Noro Kureyon so that I had a consistant color theme. Additionally I wanted to find a colorway with blues and greens....the colors of my living room. But, after knitting up a few samples, (photo on left) #170 - nice blues, but a sort of crazy orange, (photo in middle) #164 nice greens & a beautiful turquoise that pairs well with the color of my sofas and (photo on right) #188 - possibly my favorite with greens and purples, but not enough contrast in the greens to make this a useful choice. So, I decided to just use a bunch of different colorways and just KNIT!

Miserable Ice Storm

2007-03-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

We had (hopefully) our last storm of the winter season on Friday. It was miserable. Mostly ICE. The only nice thing was getting to watch all the birds at the feeders. And...watching my cats watch those birds which was probably much more entertaining. I had a slew of Cardinals...both males & females, at least 3 males and 4 females. I can't remember the last time I saw more than a pair feeding at once. I also had carolina wrens, chickadees, and yes a few grackles....

Berroco Tioreg bag pices blocking

2007-03-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have all of the pieces for the Tioreg bag done and they blocked. Now on to the tedious job of sewing them all together. I altered the pattern for the hexagons so that I could knit them on straight needles (I'm an octopus with double pointeds). I am going to use a clear monofilament thread and regular sewing needle. I didn't want to seam with the yarn because it's varigated and matching up the colors would be a nightmare. The colorway is called Hotel California (Berroco Love It), but I've renamed this Summer Sherbet.

Wakame Blocking

2007-03-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Love It Wakame top - some pieces blocking.....reminder to purchase the blocking wires I saw at Stitches East

Kitty Pi - the Use and Non-Use of it!

2007-03-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some assorted photos of my Kitty Pi. I used Cascade Lana Grosso...very bulky wool, and easy to work with. The black kitty is Meteor, white and gray kitty is Shadow. Please note non-use of Kitty Pi, and use of Vaguely Vegas bag (by Shadow)on top of TV armoir.

Knit Simple Spring/Summer 2007 Review

2007-03-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Vogue Knitting - Knit Simple - Spring/Summer 2007 issue - review

This is one of my favorite knitting magazines. Nice ad announcing Nicky Epstein's new book entitled Knitting Never Felt Better.

Definitely on my wish list!

Great article with Edie Eckman as well as a pattern for a granny square cardi designed by Dora Ohrenstein http://www.crochetinsider.com - too bad I don't crochet.

Fabulous patterns in "Stripe Dreams". A definite must-make is this Cabana Cutie designed by Mari Lynn Patrick.
Side to side construction with Saucy Sport yarn by Reynolds/JCA, and how about this cool matching beach bag. The bag was designed by Tanis Gray and uses Cotton Stria by Manos del Uruguay. The Cabana Cutie calls for 2 each of Parakeet Green, Faded Gold, Cream Fraisce and Deep Ocean plus 1 each of Sage, Coral Reef, Persimmon and Orange. Priced at $2.95 at WEBS www.yarn.com total for project approx $36 not including the discount, however I wasn't able to find deep ocean (could I substitute Maritime Blue), Sage, Persimmon or Orange......more searching in order. www.cottonclouds.com carries this yarn in a larger amount of color selection, but not by the 'names' listed above. The bag requires 8 skeins in assorted colors. www.purlsoho.com seems to have all of the colors in stock at $8.50/skein.

The magazine also has a great section, and at least 6 patterns for summer tank tops. A wonderful article on making booties. Great baby sweater and onesie in beige, turquoise and white...great color combinations and beautiful photography.

Spring Fling (Tangerine & Lime) bag

2007-02-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a bag I designed for the Bag-A-Holic Yahoo Group. The pattern will be available to members of the group for the month of March. It was made with Rowan Handknit Cotton, and Katia Idea Jeans ribbon yarn. The embellisments were made using a pattern from Nicky Epstein's book entitled "The Hat Book".

February Mid-Month Dishcloth KAL - finished

2007-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Here's my February mid-month dishcloth. I loved the challenge of this pattern. I used size 5 needles and Rowan Handknit Cotton. It's too pretty to use as a dishcloth!

Science Project

2007-02-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

I'm calling this a total science project. I have been making the Double Woven cloths with Peaches & Creme. But..I found a skein of Sugar'n Cream at Michael's in this Summer Splash colorway. However, please notice that it never got to looking like the other cloths made with Peaches & Creme. Some varigated fibers will work perfectly with the double woven pattern, but obviously some WILL NOT. I decided to knit the entire skein because I knew I wouldn't be using the leftovers for anything.

And more Double Woven Dishcloths

2007-02-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

More Double Woven Cloths - All Peaches & Creme, top (faded glory), middle (teal ombre) and bottom (raspberry swirl). All on size 7 bamboo needles.

Hooked on Darrell

2007-02-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm still hooked on Rhonda White's Double Woven (Darrell Waltrip) pattern. These were made with Peaches n Creme (Sunrise and Lemon-Lime)

February Dishcloth KAL - Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

Valentine Cloths from the February KAL. Sorry about the BAD photo. I just couldn't get the heart stitch definition with my flash, so I had to take this photo in the sun, and my window was in the way!

The cloth on the left was made with Louisa Harding Nautical Cotton (100%) and the one on the right was made with Manos Cotton Stria in Cherry. I loved working with the Manos. It was a chenille type fiber (100% cotton) and extremely soft, perfect for a face cloth!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Is it Christmas AGAIN?

2007-02-14T17:01:00.000-08:00

It's definitely WINTER....but why is my CHRISTMAS cactus finally blooming in February?

Yarns selected for Vaguley Vegas Bag KAL

2007-02-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

I finally decided on the yarns that I will be using for the Vaguely Vegas Bag "Bag-A-Holic" KAL. I want to be able to felt it, so most of the fibers that I selected are wool, with the exception of the Berroco Optik. Here's what I will be using:
Some left-over Noro (purple, lime, yellow wool blend), Berroco Foliage (green), Berroco Keltic (purple-pink-white) - Keltic is a 50% wool, 40% acrylic, 10% nylon blend; Cascade Pastaza (golden yellow); Cacade The Heathers (purple); and the ringer of color (which will not felt) is Berroco Optik (48% cotton, 27% acrylic, 20% mohair, 8% metallic & 3% polyester.
Okay, so now I have to wind the skeins into balls...and begin the project.

Progress on Wakame

2007-02-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting since I got home Friday night, with a few breaks for meals & sleeping. I need to give Kaleidoscope Yarns a thank you for getting the same dye lot to me quickly. I ordered the additional 7 skeins I needed for this project on Monday afternoon, and they were in my mailbox on Friday morning. Thank you! www.kyarns.com

I really love this new yarn from Berroco. It's no wonder that it is called "Love It". I have the main four pieces of the jacket/top done. I still have to knit the sleeves. I may do both at the same time on one set of needles.

Now I'm a Sunflower!

2007-02-09T11:36:00.002-08:00

I am a
Sunflower

What Flower
Are You?

Tuesday I was a Calla, today I'm a Sunflower.......??

What Flower Am I

2007-02-06T02:03:00.000-08:00

I am a
Canna

What Flower
Are You?

Berroco - New Yarns for Spring 2007

2007-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

So, I have start-itis....I couldn't resist beginning this today. I ordered a few sample skeins of the new Berroco yarn Love It, and Nostalgia, and the Yin&Yang (Berroco booklet #262). Both yarns, and the book are 'new for Spring 2007' . Much more information can be obtained from the Berroco website. www.berroco.com
I absolutely LOVE Berroco yarn, and this Love It is great. It's a blend of 58% cotton, 38% acrylic and 4% polyester. It has just enough stretch to make working with it pleasant...and the stitch definition is very nice. I am making the asymetric jacket shown on the front cover. ( I have to order 7 more skeins of the brown that I'm working with.....although wouldn't a really thin stipe of turquoise or pink look nice going sideways on the right front piece??)
now, just a warning.....I'm working the right back piece first, and talk about lessons learned...I read thru the entire pattern...OHMYGOD, what a concept!...and what do you think I saw??? Those simple words "AT THE SAME TIME".....so you will see in my photo how anal I am in using the laptop to type out the pattern, and highlight it as I complete a row. I sure hope this will go easy. I've really struggled with poorly written patterns lately. (However, I have had a very minimal amount of trouble with Berroco's pattern instructions as a whole.)

On two side issues, I worked up the swatch for the Vivian Hoxboro Kimino that I'm making, and I have a question on the instructions regarding row 11 of the guage swatch. Seems that the instructions (as far as I'm reading them), and the chart do not match. I'm going to get a 2nd opinion from a knitting friend to see what she thinks.

And so, that brings me to the other side issue. I'm not much of a football fan, and I was happy to hear that my LYS is going to be having a Charity Knit-In tomorrow afternoon. We're participating in the Red Scarf project, and also knitted squares for blankets to donate. I plan on meeting up with Luisa and we'll go together, then grab a bite to eat afterwards. I wish I was able to get DIY network. Vickie Howell will be hosting a knit-in beginning at 5PM. I've been fortunate to get Knitty Gritty on HGTV, but I looked and HGTV has a different program scheduled for that 5PM time-slot. Tivo will catch anything "knit" related, so perhaps HGTV will air it at a different time.

That's all for now!

2 scarves - one finished, one in the works

2007-02-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

I finished the blue/green scarf , and started the dark green multi-directional diagonal scarf this week. The blue/purple/green was made with Berroco Foliage.

I'm using Filatura Di Crosa in Print 127 for the dark green scarf. I love the fact that it isn't a totally varigated fiber. If you look at the skein you will see mostly mossy green. I love the way ths is coming out. It almost looks like plaid. It will need some blocking and steaming when I finish it. The pattern is very easy....it's a pattern designed by Karen Baumer. The pattern can be obtained here:
http://douma.net/Karen/knitting/Accessory-Scarves/Multidirectional_Diagonal_Scarf.htm

February Exchanges

2007-02-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

I've finished my February exchanges that I participate in with the At My
House Yahoo Group. Both will be going in the mail to my partners on Monday. The first is for the Dishcloth exchange, and the second is for the Barbie outfit exchange. I made a cute miniature potato chip scarf. Simple, cast on 50 stitches, kf & b of each stitch (100 stitches) kf& b of each stich (150 stitches), and bind off. Voila...a mini potato chip scarf!

more trouble with the Shell Tank

2007-02-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

More trouble with the shell tank from the Knitting Nature Book.
Okay, so I have to frog the right front piece again. (this will be the 2nd time ripping-let's hope that the yarn holds out)
Once I layed it out, I had to ask myself, why the heck did I knit so far past the armhole...it's not a wrap-around...hahaha...
At any rate, view the schematic....I didn't READ one very simple sentence in the pattern...simply stated 'AT THE SAME TIME'. So, while I was happily knitting away working the increases on the wrong side, I did not read "AT THE SAME TIME" increase on right side rows....I thought I was supposed to start the increases after I got up to the armhole. I have an idea that I might make a real-life size paper pattern of the piece so that I can check my knitting as I go. I am SO DETERMINED to make this darn tank!!!!!
see where it says "AT THE SAME TIME". I will never miss that in a pattern again!

Goodies in the Mail

2007-02-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Most days I dread going to the post office because I usually get bills, and nothing fun! But yesterday, I was so pleased to see a priority box. It's Terry Ross's brand new book. It even came with a few skeins to work a quick project. There are 12 felted bag projects in the book, and isn't the one on the cover so lovely. Terry Ross is a fellow member on the Yahoo Bag-A-Holic group. She has also designed several patterns for Crystal Palace Yarns. All of the free patterns can be accessed at: www.straw.com

Terry autographed the book too. At first glance the patterns are very clearly written. Each month features a different project, and I already want to work up several of the bags. Congratulations Terry, and Thank YOU!

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this book, please visit: www.terryrossdesigns.com

A few more cloths

2007-02-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

During the week I worked another DW cloth, and started this matching ballband cloth today. It's the famous Mason Dixon cloth and can be obtained at
http://tinyurl.com/26cw7l

2007-01-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

The Darrell Waltrip Dishcloth. Okay, so it's the Double Woven Stitch, but Rhonda White renamed it the Darrell Waltrip cloth, and so far no one has complained. http://www.knittingknonsense.com/DW_cloth.html
I absolutely love the way the brighter one came out. I used Peaches & Creme in the Mardi Gras colorway. The lighter one is also Peaches & Creme in the Sunflower colorway. I think I'll make a few more and try the different colorways that I have in my stash.
I order all of my P & C from Elmore Pisgah http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/They have the best selection of varigated cottons, and they have superfast shipping.

a couple of bookends

2007-01-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

Bookends....need I say more?

OTN - Valentine Barbie Dress

2007-01-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

I started this about an hour ago, after I signed up for the At My House yahoo group Barbie clothing exchange. Not sure why I decided to make a Barbie dress...I don't even own a Barbie doll, and I have a son, no daughters. But...I saw this design http://www.geocities.com/iluvdlls/Valentine.htm
in a link (Thanks Milly), and just had to make it. I especially love the pattern because it can be worked on straight needles. Just can't seem to wrap my 2 hands around 4 dpn's. I need more fingers. This is a photograph of the bottom of the bodice. Ever since my attempt at Intarsia with the Weekend Getaway Satchel, I really enjoy working with more than 1 color. I think I'll include a matching scarf.
The pink yarn is Patons Grace in Blush, and the red yarn is Dalegarn Stock in color #12. Both yarns are 100% cotton. I'm working it on size 3 needles. And, ah...it just came to me, I will give what I receive in the exchange to my co-worker's daughter. She's in 2nd grade, and I'm almost sure she plays with Barbie dolls.

Almost OTN - Vivian Hoxbro Kimono

2007-01-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

My 'knitting pal' Luisa and I picked up Vivan Hoxbro kits during our visit to Stitches East in Baltimore this past November. I am making the Kimono jacket, and I think Luisa is making a straight jacket....no, not that kind of straight jacket....
There is a swatch tutorial in the pattern and I hope to cast on for that soon. The pattern calls for sz 2 - 3 mm needles. I am going to try knitting the swatch with my sz 3 Addi's. I hope to heck that I don't have to go down a needle size, because this will be a challenge to finish in a year on size 3's. I am making this is a purple/med green/lt green colorway. The original kit came with navy blue, but I decided to switch out the navy and use purple.
Vivian Hoxbro is the author of Shadow Knitting and Domino Knitting. I have both her books. Her website has a some really nice patterns, free ones too. http://www.viv.dk/English/default.htm The kits, complete with yarn and instruction can be ordered from Harrisville Designs http://www.harrisville.com/html/vivian.html

Orgami Bag

2007-01-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

My mom taught me how to make this orgami bag from 2 - 22" squares. I sewed it up while on vacation in the Keys, and I use it to hold all of my little knitting supplies.

Swiss Cheese Scarf

2007-01-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

From Morehouse Farm http://www.morehousefarm.com/ this is the Swiss Cheese Scarf. Morehouse Farm has some very unique patterns. I also purchased the Caterpillar Scarf pattern. I'm not 100% sure that I like the texture of all garter stitch in this pattern, (my edges look so ragged), so I think I will try to felt it a bit. I may try blocking it first, and then if I'm still not pleased, I think I will try to steam it before I felt it. I do like the pattern, although it looks like a challenge, it's actually quite simple.

Mock Cable Dishcloth from Creative Kntting

2007-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of Creative Knitting contains a really easy pattern for a mock cable dishcloth. I started knitting
this with Brown Sheep Co.'s Cotton Fleece and I think I'll just keep going and make it into a scarf.

Weekend Knitting

2007-01-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

I just love knitting weekends when I only have a few household chores, and meals to prepare. It's too cold outside, and I can have a fire in the fireplace and watch FOOD Network all day. I am almost finished with the last piece (right front) of the Shell Tank from Norah Gaughan's Knitting Nature book. I'm using Cascade Cloud 9 which I absolutely LOVE. It is a blend of mohair and angora and so soft. I think Norah is such a talent. Have you seen the front of the latest issue of Vogue? http://www.vogueknitting.com/

Short Row Scarf

2007-01-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

This is about to find a new home, as my co-worker mentioned today that her daughter keeps asking to borrow 'her' scarves. It's a short row scarf. I found the pattern in the Lion Brand Just Scarves book. Unsure about the yarn, as I found it in my stash, and must have misplaced the label, but it's wool, and I do like the way the varigated fibers came out. Maybe could have used some fringe....?

Poinsettia Cloth

2007-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Another KAL, this one from November. I worked it on size 7 needles with GGH Goa. It is a large dishcloth! Loved working the bobbles...

January mid-month dishcloth KAL (finished)

2007-01-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

I liked working on this knit-a-long in my Yahoo group. While it wasn't a traditional cable pattern, as the pattern only called for cabling back, I still enjoyed it.

Monthly Dishcloth KAL day 4 (progress)

2007-01-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

I slept in this morning..well, I got up at 5:50 instead of 5 AM, so I didn't have time to work on day 4's rows until I got home from work. It's coming on quite nicely, but the cables are not 'crossing over' as I might have expected. Click on the photo to see more detail, as my 'flash' seems to be very strong. I'm also including a furry floozie pic of the 2 sisters..shadow & snowflake. They don't always get together, but when they do, it's cute. The 'green feet' are a gift from my son. He made them in his home ec class. I love them!

Jan Mid-Month Dishcloth KAL "day 2 progress"

2007-01-17T03:29:00.000-08:00

Only one cable row so far, so the cloth looks a little odd...perhaps day #3 will include the row to cross the cable back over.

Lavender Scarf

2007-01-16T04:13:00.000-08:00

I knitted this scarf in about 2 days. One day of travel from FL to NY, and fringed it last evening. I used Berroco Touche, size 4 needles and an adaptation of a pattern I found in "Knit Scarves" by Candi Jensen. The scarf will given to my scarf exchange partner in Arizona.

Slide Show of my Florida Keys Vacation

2007-01-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

Quilt Gift from Mom

2007-01-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

My mother made a beautiful quilt for my living room. I was concerned about my teal green sofas going in the blue painted walls of my living room, so she worked up a quilt with lots of colors of each. You will see that the cats love it too!

Raspberry Milkshake finished & 2 new projects OTN

2007-01-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

The Raspberry Milkshake bag is finished...however, I think I will line this bag. It's quite loose and stretchy, but it holds a lot of stuff. I also finished the two sides to another one of Emma King's bag patterns from "25 bags to Knit". I do want to line this clutch, and I'll do so before I seam the 2 pieces together. For this bag, I used Rowan Cotton Rope. I plan on placing some embellishments on the stockinette section. Perhaps some seashells? We're heading to Long Key from Key Largo on Wednesday. I was there in April, and I know that there are a lot of shells at Long Key State Park.
The other project is for a scarf exhange that I'm participating in. I'm using an Australian yarn, a blend of cotton and wool. It's a bit like chenille, and I'm using a pattern from a Lion Brand scarf book. I also bought this yarn at Knit Wits in Key West.

January KAL (boo hoo) and other dishcloths

2007-01-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

I'm unable to finish the January KAL until I return home on the 15th. I didn't bring enough of the ggh yarn with me to finish the project, but I'm still posting a pic of my progress thus far. The other 2 dishcloths were made using patterns in a Leisure Arts "heart" book. I used some beautiful Italian 70 cotton/30 poly that I picked up in a nice shop called Knit Wits in Key West.

Raspberry Milkshake

2007-01-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

I just finished the front of the Raspberry Milkshake bag from Emma King's "25 bags to Knit" book. I started it on the plane from Philly to Miami on Tuesday, and finished it last night...not bad for two days of knitting. However, I'm on vacation in the Keys so I there aren't a tremendous amount of responsibilities that I have to tend to. :-)
I'm also including a photo of the Atlantic Ocean taken yesterday, while enroute to a coral reef on a glass bottom boat. The boat tour starts at John Pennecamp State Park in Key Largo. It's amazing how blue the water is.

And a few more UFO's finished!

2006-12-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more UFO's off the shelf! The far left one was made using 'no' pattern. It's a small felted clutch, and a used a specialty yarn for a few rows. The cable bag on the right was made with Lamb's Pride Bulky on size 9 needles. It's a simple cable pattern, and I had more than 1/2 of it done during a 2 hour class at my local yarn store, North Fork Stitches. I purchased a silk ribbon and wove it through the cables. The cable bag on the bottom was made using 'no' pattern. I took a cable pattern from one of my stitching dictionaries, repeated twice with enough starting stitches on each edge to create a simple design. This bag would also be suitable for embellishment with ribbon.

Something's Flowery Bag

2006-12-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

Here is my adaptation of Terry Ross's Something's Fishy bag. I've renamed it Something's Flowery. Terry Ross shared this pattern with the Yahoo Bagaholic Group a few months ago. I used a variety of blue/turquoise wools from my stash. It may be a little difficult to see, but the top of the bag has some small openwork. I used a varigated ribbon yarn to create the flowers, using Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers book. This is a big bag, and will be wonderful to carry my larger knitting projects in.

English Garden Bag Completed

2006-12-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of my New Year's resolution, I decided to get out all my UFO's and see what could be finished in a few hours. Here is my English Carpet Bag! This is from Crystal Palace, www.straw.com and was designed by Terry Ross, another member of the Yahoo Groups, Bagaholic forum. She is a spectacular designer, and I loved making this bag. I'm not too good on bobbles - see my green ones at the top of the bag - so I used a button for the center of the largest rose. I used all of the suggested yarns from the first colorway, as well as the handles. I love this bag, and I'm sure I will get a lot of compliments. Thank you, as always, Terry for designing such a nice bag!

Finished Christmas Gifts

2006-12-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here are 3 finished IPOD cases that I plan to give my neices for Christmas. Tomorrow! Yikes...nothing like finishing up items at the 11th hour. I used a free pattern that I found at Michael's. The left one was made using yarn that I purchased from Knit Picks and dyed with kool-aid. The middle one and the one on the right were made using Lamb's Pride worsted. The 2 flowers were made using a Nicky Epstein pattern. I took 3 strands of silver wire, and set up approximately 20 beads each wire, then using a needle, I pulled all three wires through the flower to the stem. I then wrapped the wire around the base of the flower stem, and stitched the flowers, stem and leaves to the case. The middle leaf was not felted. All other items were felted seperately. I attached buttons so that the handle can be opened and closed.

Weekend Getaway Satchel {front done} and 2 furry floozies

2006-11-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have finished the intarsia work on the front of the Weekend Getaway Satchel. I still have to knit up about 10", and then the embroidery work can begin. My back is done, but I'm still working on the gussets, and dreading the work on the 30 foot long red handles. More information about this pattern can be found at: http://weekendgetawaysatchel.blogspot.com/ and the materials can be ordered here:
http://www.camillavalleyfarm.com/lopi/9650kit.htm
I'm also posting 2 more furry floozies pics. China is the mostly white, black spotted cat; and Meteor is the mostly black cat!

Thanksgiving 2006

2006-11-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Christopher says "Thanksgiving is like at ride a Disney World"...."four hours of waiting" (prep time), and "four minutes of riding" (eating). I'll agree, except he forgot about the four hours of clean-up at the end!

Orange Mittens

2006-11-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

I found a really simple pattern on the web to make 2 needle mittens. The pattern can be found here http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/the-mitts.html

Knit NY and Mittens

2006-11-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

Last week I went into Manhattan and visited Knit NY cafe and knitting shop. It's a cool shop on 14th Street, corner of 2nd Avenue. I purchased some yarn and supplies and sat and knitted up the green camoflauge mitten. Hope to make the second one soon, and then I will felt them. Here's two photos from the shop, and a photo of the one mitten.

Dishcloths & Strozzi

2006-10-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of finished dishcloths, and the beginnings of the Strozzi necklace. The peacock dishcloth was a purchased pattern from Knitwits Heaven http://knitwits-heaven.tripod.com/

The white cotton dishcloth is a pattern from Dishcloth Boutique http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/

The Strozzi pattern can be found at the Berroco website. Instead of using Berroco Suede, I am using Katia Idea Jeans. It is a blend of 50% cotton, 35% viscose & 15% linen. It has just enough of a stretch in it to make it a nice fiber for this project. I'm enjoying working the leaves, and might use this pattern to make leaves for a future felted bag.

Wrist Warmers & Scarf with Patons SWS

2006-10-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

I knitted this wrist warmer - scarf set on my seven-hour car ride from Long Island to Syracuse, NY. I love the new Patons SWS yarn. It's a blend of wool and soy, and works really well on bamboo needles. The scarf was made using the pattern from the Pastiche 2 Scarf/Power from Berroco. The wrist warmers were made using Delia's pattern from the Irish Hiking Scarf Knit-a-long blog. I really enjoyed the pattern for the wrist warmers. They are worked flat, and then seamed on the side. The cable work is great for a beginner, because the cables are worked on the front, right side only.

October Monthly Dishcloth KAL competed

2006-10-05T04:52:00.000-07:00

Not the greatest photo because I used the scanner, but this is my October Monthly Dishcloth KAL. I used Peaches & Creme White Cotton. Perfect cloth for a cat lover!

One Skein Secret Pal & China Girl

2006-09-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of the One Skein project I made for my Secret Pal. Susan from Honolulu, HI was my secret pal and I'm sending this gift and some other goodies her way on Monday. I also thought I'd share a photo of my girl China, who helped get plenty of cat fur into the knitting process.

September mid-month KAL completed

2006-09-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

This was the September mid-month KAL dishcloth. I used size 8 needles and GOA, a cotton-poly blend from Muench.

Monthly Dishcloth - September Knit-A-Long

2006-09-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

Just finished up my dishcloth from the September KAL with Monthly Dishcloths Yahoo Group. It was made with Nashua Handknits Cilantro. This fiber is 70% cotton and 30% polyester. It's nice and soft, and has some stretch to it. This was my first KAL with this group. Each day for one week, we receive 7 rows of the pattern. At the end of the seven days, hopefully you have a dishcloth with a pattern that is fairly recognizable. I had a little trouble. Shown here, the dishcloth was knit from the bottom up. I actually thought it might have been a map of the US (at least on the first day, because I thought the stem was Florida. But then on the second day I realized I was missing Texas. I really didn't realize that it was an Oak Leaf until Day 6.

Grape Harvest Felted Bag - Finished

2006-08-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

I've finally finished the Grape Harvest Bag and just in time to share my pattern with the Bag-A-Holic yahoo group. The pattern will only be available for the month of September to list members only. The bag was made with Lamb's Pride Bulky and felted, and the embellishments (unfelted) were made using Knitpicks Wool of the Andes Avacado & Fern.

Fantissimo bag - Berroco Foliage

2006-08-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Love this BAG! Knit up quickly with Berroco Japanese Maple Foliage yarn. Here's the pattern: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/fantissimo/fantissimo.html

Diamond Chevron Scarf - Knit-A-Long Progress

2006-08-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is the progress report on my Diamond Chevron Scarf - A bunch of us knitters are doing a Knit-A-Long at the multidirectional yahoo group. The photo on the left is a new Patons Classic Wool varigated version. I love working with this yarn, and have made many felted items using the solid colors. I wasn't so sure of the colorway, but now that I've seen it in the photographs I've taken, I like how it is coming out. I may decide to steam this a bit, not fully felt it, just steam it so that the colors blend a bit nicer. The second photo is showing the 'hole' discussion that we've been having the past few days. I have the 'hole' too, but I think I'm going to 'not' close it up. I almost want to put a small ribbon there, and perhaps a label....not sure. I'll decide before it's all finished. This scarf is being made with Wool in the Woods Gold Dust Lottery. There are lots of gold specks in this yarn blend, and I also like how the colorway is working.

Kool Aid Dying

2006-08-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my personal experience with Kool Aid dying. I used Knitpicks http://www.knitpicks.com Natural Bare Peruvian Wool Worsted. The wool was $3.49 for a 100 gram (approx 3.25 ounce) skein. The tutorial that I used can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/hzep9
I'm very, very pleased with the strawberry and yellow colorway that I did, but not especially pleased with the purple. I used 3 full packages of Grape Kool Aid, but I may decide to re-dye this wool with another 3 packages, just to intensify the color a bit.

Diamond Chevron Scarf - start up for KAL

2006-08-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the beginnings of my Diamond Chevron Scarf, designed by Iris Schreier and published in the September 2006 issue of Creative Knitting. Some of the gals at the multidirectional yahoo group are having a knit-a-long, so I thought I'd join in. This photo shows parts 1 and 2 completed, with about 3 rows of step 3 begun.
I have to comment that the instructions for this pattern are very clear. Your knitting will look odd, and some of it will not make sense right away, but if you follow the instructions exactly as they are written you will have success.
Although I have some of Iris's beautiful yarns in my stash, I did not have anything with a varigation, so I decided to use a yarn that I purchased at the Knit & Crochet Show called Gold Dust Lottery. I purchased it from Wool in the Woods, and the content of the yarn is 48% rayon, 44% cotton, 6 % nylon and 2% mylar. My second choice was a 100% silk from Cherry Tree Hill (shown to the right in the photo).

Pre-Felted Grape Harvest Bag

2006-08-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of a bag that I just finished knitting. I plan on felting it this weekend, and then embellishing it with grapes, grape leaves and vines. I work at a winery, and in a few short weeks we will be harvesting our white wine grapes, and shortly thereafter harvesting our red wine grapes. It's the busiest time of the year for me!

2006-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

The beginnings of the English Carpet Bag from Crystal Palace Yarns http://www.straw.com
What a great new yarn - wonderful feel and love the colorway. Here are a few photos of the work in progress on my bag. Just started working on some of the embellishments last night. Hope to get the bag felted this weekend. Working on this was FUN!

UFO's from Emma King's book

2006-06-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 photos of some unfinished work from Emma King's 25 bags book. The first photo is of the Ocean Bag....it's quite flimsy so I will have to line it, but I might even include some timtex to make it even sturdier. As you can see I have the buttons, and some sequin trims that I will be adding to the bag. The second photo is of the Lemon Zest bag, which I have renamed the Key Lime bag...for several reasons, one is that the yarn is definitely NOT yellow...it's lime green, the other reason is that I finished the 2nd side while on vacation in the Florida Keys in April. I still have to sew this up, and line it too. I am going to attach some shells that I picked up on the beach while I was in the Keys to dress is up a bit. I loved working with Rowan's Kid Silk Haze...it is so fuzzy! I enjoyed the posts at Bag-A-Holic of someone who made these bags up using circular needles, rather than knitting the 2 sides together...it's a great idea for the next back that I make from this book. I have the yarn to work on the Raspberry Bobble bag.....

Watermelon Hat

2006-06-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a photograph of the work in progress on my watermelon hat for the summer hat exchange on AtMyHouse - Yahoo Groups. My partner this month was KyleAnn (KnittyKyle) and I sure hope she likes it. (It's finished now, and in the mail to her.) I made a green pom-pom that she can (if she'd like) attach to the top. It was made of 100% wool, so she can always felt it for a little person. This is a photo before I put the top on DPN's.

Multidirectional Knit-A-Long Eyeglass Case

2006-06-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

I'm joining in the Multidirectional Kint-A-Long for the eyeglass case on page 23 of Iris Schreier's Modular Knits book. (It's a yahoo group I joined about 4 or 5 months ago.) I am using Artyarns colorway 106 in Super Merino. I absolutely love the feel of this yarn. However, I'm having some trouble following the pattern. My first square looks okay, and I do have the square #3 corrections (to the book) from the website, but...I am supposed to have square squares, not a triangle in the middle. I'm posting this photo in hopes that someone from the group can help me out with following the directions. It almost looks like I turned when I wasn't supposed to, but I've made sure to follow the directions, and after ripping several starts, this was my 5th try.

A few more of my favorites from the Peconic Quilt Show

2006-06-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

"Sea Dogs" was done by Kathleen Fieldstadt and won a a Merit Award in the Contemporary Small Quilts Division. "These Boots Were Made for Walking" was done by Alice Zimmerman. "Aurora" was done by Susan Liimatta Horn and won a 2nd place ribbon in the Contemporary Wall Quilts Division. "Rose Garden" was done by Mary Meade and won a 1st place ribbon in the Contemporary Small Quilts Division. "Dancing In the Stars" was done by my friend Gayle Wagner. This quilt was featured in our local paper "The Suffolk Times" and "News Review" on Thursday, June 1st in an article that Toni Munni wrote about our Quilt Show. "Gerber Daisies" was done by Tippy Case, and the log cabin quilt entitled "On the Sunny Side" was also made by Susan Liimatta Horn ("Aurora") and won a 1st place ribbon in the Traditional Wall Quilts Division.

Great Blue Heron Quilt

2006-06-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

This quilt was made by Patty Cline. She is a wonderful machine quilt artist, and the quilting on this piece is incredible. She even quilted a fish in the lake, a dragonfly & grasshopper in the leaves, and more. She won a 2nd place ribbon in the Contemporary Wall Quilt division. Patty Cline owns Chestnut Bay Quilting, and is a professional machine quilter.

2006-06-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

This quilt was created by Caroline Fraser entitled "Cat's Meow". It was machine quilted by Patty Cline. She even quilted some mice in the center of the quilt. It is a stack n whack pattern with fans.

2006-06-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

I love bird quilts, and the hand applique detail on this first quilt was incredible. I especially love Betsy Widirstky's "Redbirds in the Spring". I'm also a BIG fan of paper piecing. I would enjoy making these cardinal blocks. I'll have to find the patterns.

Eastern Long Island Quilt Show June 3 & 4, 2006

2006-06-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

This quilt won the Best in Show Ribbon and First Place in the Contemporary Wall Quilt Division. It is entitled Tropical Paradise and was created by Kathy Davis. The machine quilting on it is exquisite.

I'll post more quilts tomorrow!

More Quilts from the Peconic Quilt Show

2006-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

This quilt was in the special exhibit area of the show. It is an original design and each line of the quilt reaches the edges of the quilt. I love this design of "hats".
The first quilt (shown below) was created by Kathleen Lake and it is entitled Circle Lake. The second quilt was created by Lillian Baglivi and is entitled Going in Circles.

More Quilts from the Peconic Quilt Show

2006-06-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

These 2 quilts were made by May Watson. May was my first teacher. She taught me to applique. That was 1994, and I commented to her today, that I had to 'borrow' a scrap of black from her for the beak on my swan. (That was when I hadn't even heard the word "stash" yet.)
Beautiful Blue Boy won a merit award ribbon. The other quilt is entitled "An Apple a Day".