Ghastlies quilt top

I had never even heard of The Ghastlies until I was let loose on a bunch of genuine quilt shops in Salt Lake City during Sewing Summit last year.  I am not much of a Halloween person, but when I saw this fabric I couldn't resist picking up a bit, just in case.  I managed to put together a couple blocks last fall and decided to pull it out again to see if I could make some progress this year before Halloween came and went again.  My intention was to make a wall hanging for our front door, but I was having too much fun and soon amassed more than enough blocks for a full quit!

 

I did the individual blocks with no rules or measurements in mind, just added fabric until I felt they were fun.  I added some purples, pinks and marigold oranges from my stash for pops of color along with the greys and blacks, and I love the combination.  I spliced the blocks all together very free form with some Alexander Henry Heath (I am sure there is an easier way to do this than what I did) and then decided to frame the collection with a wonky border in the coordinating fabrics.

Some of my favorite characters! Of course the knitting sisters are featured in there :)

Even spliced a few extra ghastly folks in along the borders.

I had fun every minute making this quilt top.  Now to decide on some fun quilting...I am thinking spider webs??

Quilt Story

My princess quilt is being featured on Quilt Story today :)  Thanks, Megan and Heather!  Be sure to pop by, and take some time to peruse some of the other awesome quilts they have featured, and the stories that make them special.

I'm pretty sure money can buy happiness.

Happy happy!

Weekender jewelry pouch (on a Monday)

When Kaelin asked me to test her latest pattern, the Weekender Jewelry Pouch,  I jumped at the chance.  As usual, it is perfectly written and did not require a single modification, anyhow!  A great alternative to the millions of other pouches out there, this is a super cute girly way to carry your favorite accessories on holiday!

Not only stylish, it is very practical, with little compartments along the side to separate your pieces and keep them from getting tangled or scratched, and room for bigger things like my favorite chunky bracelets in the middle.

I made this for a very "cosmopolitan" friend who spends a lot of time travelling, using some Denyse Schmidt fabrics from JoAnn's.  The plaid has a very Burberry-esque vibe, and I love the final product.

Kaelin's pattern is due to be released in her shop today, so be sure to pick one up!  I think this would be a perfect Christmas gift, maybe with a cute pair of earrings tucked inside?  The entire project took me only 1-1/2 hours to make, and less than a yard of fabric!

Sharing at Sew Modern Monday.

fabric pig

I have been soooo good. Really I have. I haven't bought any fabric since I got my Flea Market Fancy in the spring.  Okay, a small amount of Heather Ross' Crafty Chloe, but under $30 doesn't count ;)

But then it was like a dam broke.

Boy have I had fun! As IF I could have the restraint to pass up on Nersery Versery, the new Heather Ross Prints book (and a load of her corresponding Spoonflower fabric).

OR Anna Maria Horner's Field Study! And, um...I may have placed a second order after this one. Maybe. :)

And a Little Folks voile sale for $7 per yard? Really, it couldn't be helped.

And as you know, sometimes a few wee extras find their way into the cart.....

Plus I bought YARDAGE. Normally I piss around with half yard cuts for quilting, but this time I have a hankering for some clothes sewing. Will see what comes of it all. Hoping to make some pretty (and wearable) things for my girls and me.

And while we are talking fabric, I have really been feeling the navy and kelly green combo lately. Not my usual colors, but they are really appealing to me. So I built this monster pile of fabrics, throwing in some grey, aqua and a punch of red, and plan to splice it up to work on my favorite quilt pattern of the moment, Linky Love by my friend, the talented Tracey of Traceyjay quilts. Such a cute pattern! By the way, Tracey is also hosting the Treasure Boxes Charity Quilt Along at the moment, so I also plan to make a baby quilt with that to donate to my local Children's Hospital NICU this Christmas.

Off to work I go!

Vintage finds

Had a lovely day with The Middle Child and and old friend last weekend. A perfect, sunny fall day, and we took in a farmer's market and a local quilt show. What could be better than that?

I scored some pretty cool vintage finds at the market, and had to share. First up, this wooden doll cradle, a steal for just $5!

I offered to give it a coat of paint but The Middle Child was thrilled with it just as it was, and immediately had it in her bedroom for her favorite doll and her doll quilt, of course.

Next up, how neat are these? A set of paper plate holders, shaped like fish, in a sunny bright yellow. How fun for at the lake! Again, only $5 (a good day!).

Lastly, this one is a freebie from my wonderful MIL. I had admired her old Pyrex bowls last time I was at her house, so she surprised me by gifting them to me. She received them as a wedding gift 40 years ago, and they remain in wonderful condition. I was so touched that she shared them with me! Thanks, Mom :)

baby knit eyelet hat pattern

When I made this cute baby shrug, I had just enough yarn left over for a sweet wee hat. I decided to make up a pattern that matched. As promised, I am sharing it with you!

Size: 3 months (6-12 month, 1T-2T)

To fit head size: 14-17" (16-19", 18-20")

Materials: Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label yarn in natural, 50 (100, 150 yards)

needle: circular US size 8/ 5mm (I used a 40" circular and used the magic loop method)

Stitch marker

tapestry needle

Gauge: 4.5 st/inch

Abbreviations used:

st: stitch

K or k: knit

k2tog: knit two stitches together as one (decrease)

P or p: purl

YO: yarn over (increase)

BO: bind off

Pattern:

Cast on 60 (66, 72) st.

Place marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.

Row 1-6: *K1 P1, repeat from * to end of each row (1x1 ribbing).

Row 7 (Eyelet row): *K1, YO, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row.

Knit in stockinette (knit every stitch) until hat measures 4.5 (5, 6.5) inches from cast on edge.

Begin Decreases to shape top of hat:

Row 1: *K4, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row. 50(55, 60) st.

Row 2: knit all stitches

Row 3: *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row. 40(44, 48) st.

Row 4: knit all stitches.

Row 5: *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row. 30(33, 36) st.

Row 6: knit all stitches

Row 7: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row. 20(22, 24) st.

Row 8: knit all stitches.

Row 9. k2tog to end of row. 10(11,12) st

Row 10: knit all stitches.

Row 11: k2tog to end of row. There will be one extra stitch for the 6-12 month size hat; knit it. 5(6, 6) st.

Thread tail of yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight.

Weave in ends and block.

Finished!