Sherri's Sundries

January

2012-01-22T16:39:00.001-06:00

This year I have vowed to limit the number of new starts and spend most of my energies into finishing up the old projects. Here are my efforts thus far:

In the finished column are: 1. Jean Greenhowe eggs on toast, 2. Jameson's Cousin (Jameson Doily by Berroco), 3. Andaulisan Dishcloth, 4. Bamboo Dishcloth.

In the made progress column are: 5. Nova by Genny Morrow, 6. Ackworth Friendship Book (designer name escapes me at the moment), 7. And They Sinned (on chart page 2 now), 8. Odyssey (on chart 3), 9. Carebears, 10. Ewe Teach (tote or quilt to follow), 11. Cosmos, 12. Jacobean, and 13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket ( 36 repeats to go)

There are few days still left in January, and I will keep on crafting. Who knows? I might even get another finish in before the calendar page turns.

Nova

2011-12-13T16:05:00.003-06:00

The time has come! Genny Morrow's Nova has been on my project wish list since I first saw a photo online. Last year, I actually saw the needlepoint pieced framed and in person. At that point, I began a mad dash to finish up some older ufo's so I wouldn't feel guilty about starting another big project. Well...those older projects are just going to have to wait. Nova was calling out loudly to be started. Then a couple of friends decided they were going to start their own Nova's. Here is my start. Two rows down, 20 more to go!

Aran Baby Afghan

2011-06-12T09:55:00.002-05:00

was started a couple of years ago with a group of online friends. They all finished theirs and I was sweltering in Texas heat! So, I stored it away and just recently pulled it back out. This time I moved my chair over an air conditioning vent and was grateful for the warmth of the blanket. The pattern is from Vanna's Afghan and Crochet Favorites by Leisure Arts and Oxmoor House (now out of print).

Tusal May

2011-05-04T13:58:00.003-05:00

The ort glass is empty this month. Instead of thread, I spent my time with yarn. Lots and lots of yarn. Rebecca is knit and she can be found on her namesake's website. Knitting the arms and legs took me forever. Note to self...do those first. She is being a bit picky in the wardrobe department. I think she might be a bit of a nudist. The dress she is sporting is crocheted, made up on the spot when the dress provided in the pattern did not have enough ease to make changing her clothes an easy task. Rebecca was to be a gift to a little girl who will soon be two. So, the finished dress has been handed down to Charlotte.

Charlotte is the crocheted doll with the mass of brown tresses which are currently pulled back in a ponytail. She is an adaptation of an amigurumi pattern from E. Doherty. Charlotte will be the one to go surprise the birthday girl and Rebecca and I will work on getting her into some clothes. *Rebecca is a German magazine. The pattern is available in English as a pdf*

TUSAL April

2011-04-03T12:41:00.003-05:00

Orts are filling up the glass this month. I did get in quite a bit of stitching time in the last month. Below is Twelve Days, Day 4.

The Boy George Quilt

2011-03-28T18:24:00.004-05:00

aka The Tumbler is a BOM (block of the month) being offered by Homestead Hearth. This is a marvelous thing for someone who doesn't really like cutting, and cutting, and cutting. It was such fun to sew and sing Culture Club's I'll Tumble 4 Ya for a few days. Happy, happy.

Heart's Content Doily

2011-03-14T11:21:00.005-05:00

This was started sometime in January with hopes of having it finished in time for Valentine's Day. (insert laughter here) Yesterday I crocheted the last shell on the edging and this morning I wove in all the ends. While I didn't meet my goal for 2011, I am golden for 2012. The pattern can be found in Decorative Crochet no. 3 May 1988 issue. The original doily designed by Elizabeth Hiddleson graces the cover.

Warm Socks

2011-03-12T17:28:00.003-06:00

for next winter. Even though I started knitting these XXL Campfire Socks last summer, it has taken me a long time to get them finished. The recipient is happy to know his toes will be toasty when the cold weather returns.

It's despicable

2011-03-09T13:51:00.004-06:00

how adorable the little minions are in the movie Despicable Me. By request, I made this little guy in little over a week. The pattern can be found here. Thank you, Wolfdreamer, for working out the pattern so I didn't have to. Blue felt was no where to be found in my stash, so the emblem on the overalls will have to wait.

TUSAL March

2011-03-04T12:00:00.003-06:00

My glass runneth over. In my previous post here I posted photos of just the projects that were finished. There are others that saw some floss time as well. My cup runneth over so much, I had to find a bigger container. I should be good for awhile now.

February Finishes

2011-03-04T11:39:00.007-06:00

I didn't plan on letting a whole month go by without posting a few finishes, but that is precisely what I have done. First up is Little House of Needlework's Acorns and Pines. This is very me. My plan is to finish it off in a Sudberry Treasure Box at some point.

Next up is a mini Prairie Schooler Santa ornament. I have a few more patterns this size and hope to start turning them into ornaments later this month.

Then there is December Quaker by the Workbasket. I am soooo glad to be done with these. January has been a mini pin pillow for several years and the rest of the months might be a bit jealous since they are just hanging out in the finishing box.

My one finish for February that is not cross-stitch is a small free motion quilt practice piece. It's a bit small for a potholder, but it comes in handy for holding a hot bowl of oatmeal at breakfast. And yes, I need lots of practice so there may be more of these to follow.

Lastly there is Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas ornaments. Turtledoves are finished but not pressed for this photo.

TUSAL February

2011-02-03T23:11:00.003-06:00

Oops, I almost forgot. It's time for a totally useless stitch a-long photo of orts. January saw a total of 5 crafty type finishes before I had to pack up and travel across 4 states. I am still on the road, but managed to snap a photo of my ort wine glass while at my home base.

In 2011, a few stitchy friends are working on the Twelve Days of Christmas. Some stitchers are using Jim Shore's design. I am using a BHG pattern from 2002? One lady is planning on knitting squares to make an afghan. It's all good. :) Here is Day 1.

Noah's Ark

2011-01-10T14:10:00.002-06:00

was purchased by my DH on one of his many business trips. He was travelling back to a location that we used to live, so I sent him to the local needlework shop to pick up a Shepherd's Bush scissor fob kit. Alas, the store owner informed him they were all out and then asked if he even knew what one was! Was she ever surprised when he said absolutely. So instead of a scissor fob kit, he came home with Noah. Because I have so many other wips, it took me awhile to get going on this one. Once I did, it was a pleasure to stitch (except for today...day 3 of the final push). I still have some ribbon, beads, and charms to add but they can wait until I am in a finishing mood.

Rose of Sharon Pillowcases

2011-01-07T09:57:00.003-06:00

For Christmas I asked DH for an accuquilt go baby and the Rose of Sharon die. He came through for me and I gave it a go and cut out a few flowers and leaves in just minutes. It is a learning process, however, and I have found that trying to hand blanket stitch through fusible webbing is not my preferred method. Glad I started with these pillowcases and not a large quilt. Maybe it is time to learn machine applique?

TUSAL

2011-01-04T18:59:00.006-06:00

My Ort Jar is a wine glass and it is totally empty. I just found out about Daffycat's Totally Useless Stitch-a-Long and thought I'd sign up. Too bad I was such a good housekeeper yesterday, I had lots of orts that got tossed in the trashbin. But the glass is pretty, don't you think?

Flakes and Stars...

2011-01-03T17:46:00.005-06:00

(cue Jeopardy theme music) What are things found in a winter's night sky? Next year they will also be found among my Christmas decor. This was a fun project called Snowmen Star from Hooked on Rugs-Bits and Pieces by Joan. Thanks, Joan. :)

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T21:44:00.002-06:00

A new year full of crafting opportunity awaits. I have seen all kinds of challenges out in blogland from finishing off old ufo's, shopping your own stash, to starting 15 new cross-stitch projects in January with hopes of having them finished by the end of the year. The beginning of 2011 found me travelling away from home and I thought it best to pack up a sundry of projects both old and new to keep me busy. They are in no particular order:

1. Scrunchable Scarf (pattern on Ravelry)-knit-recent start
2. Superstar Quilt-old
3. Leaf Quilt-old
4. Snowmen Star punch needle-recent start
5. Crochet Snowflakes-recent start
6. Noemi Scarf-knit-old
7. Hearts Content Doily-crochet-new
8. Dec. Quaker-xs-old
9. Rose of Sharon Pillowcases-sewing-recent start
10. Tiny Quilt Ornies-xs-old
11. Prim House #2-xs-new
12. Noah's Ark-xs-old
13. Token of Friendship-xs-new
14. Twelve Days of Christmas-new
15. ??????

Oops. I had planned on packing 15 wips. Looks like I'm one short. Not to worry, I can always stitch a Christmas ornie from the Twelve Days magazine if I finish all the others. Yeah, right. :D I knit on Scrunchable Scarf today and I'm happy to say that the scarf is near 60% completion.

Farewell 2010

2010-12-28T11:07:00.002-06:00

You came blustering in on the heels of '09 leaving your own stamp on the pages of my life. We saw my eldest son graduate from the Air Force Academy during one of the coldest days ever in recorded history. We traversed across the country once by car and once by air. In the spring we welcomed a grandson to our family. From atop a hill we witnessed a record breaking flood. During the summer and into late autumn we spent many a day mowing. I certainly wondered oft if the grass would ever cease to grow. Even now beneath a blanket of snow, I spy blades of green poking up as if to tease. We danced for hours to Mumford & Sons, Cadillac Sky, & King Charles. We danced until one of us could barely walk. We lived. On your way out could you tell '11 to take it easy on me? I am another year older, after all.

October Stitching

2010-10-27T15:44:00.004-05:00

Besides cleaning up the yard and painting a room, I have spent more time cross-stitching this month. I finished one of a pair of Primitive Houses found in Cross Country Stitching Magazine June 2004 as well as October Quaker by Workbasket.

Gathering Pinecones

2010-09-27T19:14:00.003-05:00

is a cross-stitch sampler designed by Lesley Rudnicki of Hillside Samplings. Her designs are a bit of a challenge with lots of specialty embroidery stitches, but they are oh so fun! I learned how to make the following; Cretan, Jerusalem, Fly, Fishbone, Point Oka and revisited Pulled Pin and Queen's Stitch.

Have a Ball

2010-09-27T19:05:00.004-05:00

A really big ball. I saw one of these on Ravelry which is a wondrous place for all things knit and crochet. Crochetbug was kind enough to post a tutorial for the pentagon shapes and assembly here. Since I already had a start on the flowers I decided this is what I needed to make. Just because.

Little Bits

2010-09-17T16:03:00.004-05:00

When a person has more project starts than finishes, all those little bits of time stitching add up. September Quaker by Workbasket was worked on an unknown 40ct linen with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads in cranberry. I opted to leave off my initials and year. Three more months to stitch and then the real finishing begins. The quilt blocks are Hot Cross from Schnibbles Times Two by Carrie Nelson. I'm just getting started on those and yes, I am working on them in little bits.

A finish of sorts

2010-09-14T08:38:00.004-05:00

This month I set myself some crafting goals and for one of my wips (works in progress), I have reached that mark. The piece is And They Sinned by Exampler Dames which I started on New Year's Day 2007. When I embarked on my stitching journey of the Adam and Eve sampler, my intentions were to add one strand of floss daily. I did rather well until it was time to pack up and move in July of the same year. ATS was packed up still on the scroll frame and placed into a plastic tote where it remained until this summer. Now it is 2010 and I have stitched the equivalent of 9 months to reach the end of page one. There are three more pages to go. No strike that, only 2 more (I am farther along than I thought!)

Hummingbird

2010-08-30T15:06:00.002-05:00

All summer long I have hummingbirds at my feeder. I can watch them guarding their nectar from each other, and once I was lucky enough to witness a courtship ritual. Now when cooler temperatures signal their migration, I will have a reminder of their stay all through the colder months. This is a Daydreams kit that my friend Tammy included in a Christmas Swap package a couple of years ago.

Mad for Plaid

2010-08-25T09:10:00.005-05:00

Finished Size: 27 inches square

Materials needed:

1 skein each Red Heart Super Saver A) cornmeal, B) light raspberry, C) magenta, D) dark plum, 2 skeins E) melonberry

*note-for ease in working you will either need to divide the the pinks into two balls or purchase an extra skein of each.

Crochet hook: I
Yarn needle

Gauge: In single crochet 12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches square

Blanket:

Foundation chain: With C chain 24, drop color and pick up B, continue by chaining 24, drop color and pick up second ball of C, chain 25 (73 chain stitches total)

Row 1: (wrong side) With C, sc into 2^nd chain from hook and in next 23 stitches, drop color and pick up B, sc in next 24 stitches, drop color and pick up second ball of C, sc in next 24 stitches, ch1, turn.

Row 2-28: Sc following color changes established in row 1 making a ch1 and turning at the end of each row. On Row 28, cut yarn as you finish each color section.

Row 29: With wrong side facing, join B in first stitch, sc in next 24 stitches, drop color and pick up A, sc in next 24 stitches, drop color and pick up second ball of B, sc in next 24 stitches, ch1, turn.

Row 30-56: Sc following color changes established in Row 29 making a ch1 and turning at the end of each row. On Row 56, cut yarn as you finish each color section.

Row 57: With wrong side facing, join C in first stitch, sc in next 24 stitches, drop color and pick up B, sc in next 24 stitches, drop color and pick up second ball of C, sc in next 24 stitches, ch1, turn.

Rows 58-84: Repeat Rows 2-28. Finish off.

You will now have a square that should be 21 inches square.

Border:

Join E, sc evenly for 12 rounds placing 3 sc in each corner. Finish off.

Stripes:

Using photo as a guide, with colors D and E, and holding working yarn underneath the blanket, slip stitch a chain along both horizontal and vertical rows to make plaid.

Using D, slip stitch a chain in the middle of the border (between rounds 6 and 7)

Using 2 strands of D, slip stitch a chain along the edge of the blanket and the border.

Edging:

Using 2 strands of D, sc around placing 3 sc in each corner. Finish off. Weave in ends.

Doing the Wave

2010-07-12T16:05:00.002-05:00

Some friends and I are putting on a hand crafted fashion show this December. Guess what that means? Yep, we are making wearables. First up on my list is this lovely crocheted scarf. The pattern is Wavelength by Dawn Ellerd and the yarn is Noro 292S. I absolutely adore how this turned out.

I Can Knit

2010-06-29T08:01:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time I could not knit, not a single solitary stitch. Barbara Walker's Learn to Knit Afghan book has changed all of that. This project has been a couple of years in the making and at times has been the most challenging of crafts ever attempted. Never one to go it alone a group of online friends decided to knit along together. You can see all our efforts here. This winter I will be nice and toasty warm 'neath my very lovely blanket.

Rain Rain Go Away...

2010-05-30T11:38:00.003-05:00

is what we used to sing when we were kids and wanted play outdoors during recess. May was a very rainy month at my house. Things are drying out now as I put the final stitches on this blanket. The real name for this beauty is Rock-a-Bye Rainsong and can be found in Our Best Baby Afghans book by Leisure Arts, but I have dubbed it Rainforest. Still rain is rain and I guess working on a blanket with such a word in its title can be more powerful than performing a rain dance.

A Scottish Surprise

2010-05-26T16:12:00.003-05:00

Look what I found in my mailbox today. Mary Engelbreit notecards and Scottie buttons. I love their little tartan tams. Thanks, Tammy. You're the best!

Knitting and Cross-Stitch

2010-05-21T13:19:00.003-05:00

Letter L by M Designs

Sanity Saver Dishcloth in pink

Sanity Saver Dishcloth in stripes

April and May Crochet Projects

2010-05-21T13:10:00.003-05:00

First up is Pastel Waves. It is the second time I have used this pattern and it was just as fun the second time around. Next is Wee Irish Chain. Seeing this one brings on a desire to pull out some fabric and make a quilt. Both afghan patterns can be found in Our Best Baby Afghans by Leisure Arts. And finally, there is the ZigZag Ripple which was inspired by one I saw on attic24's blog.

Blogging has...

2010-05-21T12:57:00.004-05:00

taken a back seat for the better part of three months. What can I say life gets busy sometimes, however, I did manage to squeeze in a few projects.

A doll following Beth Doherty's amigurumi patterns with a couple of modifications, Joy Quiltlet from Patchalot More, and a Sampler of Stitches throw using 63 and 63 More Easy Crochet Stitches by Leisure Arts.

An Easy Project

2010-02-04T11:22:00.006-06:00

was needed for working on while watching television. This All Season Throw from Lion Brand filled the bill nicely.

Pineapple Doily

2010-01-30T15:10:00.002-06:00

by American Thread Company is my latest finish. The pattern can be found here if you are a member of Ravelry. It can also be found at Celt's Vintage Crochet Yahoo Group. Membership is required.

Baby Genius #2

2010-01-23T15:02:00.005-06:00

It took me a bit longer to get the binding sewn on this one. Bias binding made from fabric with a nap just does. Have to get the stripes all going in the same direction. :) This quilt and the one posted previously were from a quilt kit using fabric from Linda Carlson Quilts.

Baby Genius Quilt #1

2010-01-22T09:57:00.003-06:00

is finally done. I had begun working on this last year when I found out I was to be a first time Gramma. CareBears ended up being the nursery theme so I switched gears to work on other things. Now my Grandgirl is visiting and I thought I would finish this up while she is here as all that was left was the quilting. The Baby Genius Quilt designs are the wonderful creations of Linda Carlson Quilts.

First Finish of 2010

2010-01-14T17:09:00.004-06:00

Hurrah! This is a really old project from the late 90's. There were many things wrong with it like, a lack of 1/4 seam allowances, a striped sashing fabric that was ravelling (it got replaced with the black check), wonky seams, and...etc...etc...etc...But those flaws turned out to be good things because it gave me the freedom to try out some new (to me) quilting techniques without fear. I used my free motion foot and found out that I prefer my walking foot for straight lines. Then I used that same foot and stippled around the boys. Magic that was. It made the quilt lie so much flatter. For the border I did a curvy path with loops just like little boys would make if playing follow the leader, ending with a machine sewn binding. The pattern is by Little Quilts.

Quilt Finishes

2009-12-16T02:28:00.006-06:00

I've also spent some time learning how to machine quilt.

Redwork Sampler (Block of the Month by Bobby Socks, I think)
Hopscotch (Little Quilts All Through the House, turned into a pillow)
Fussbudget Cabin (SmallQuiltTalk group challenge, Kathleen Tracy)
House Placemat (Thimbleberries)
Stars Placemat (Thimbleberries)

Knit Finishes

2009-12-16T02:17:00.002-06:00

I've also done some knitting over the last few months.

Bell (Jean Greenhowe's Christmas Special)
Gingerbread Boy Dishcloth (Cherri's Shire)
Figure Eight Dishcloth (see photo for leaflet title)
Garter Rib Socks (Sensational Knitted Socks Charlene Schurch)

Crochet Finishes

2009-12-16T01:53:00.005-06:00

*ahem* It's been awhile since I posted any finishes. First up are some crochet projects. I hope I can remember (I'm old) all the details. I'll do the best I can and edit later if need be.

Rustic Heart Bookmark (Champygirl on Crochetville)

Guy's Vest (Drew Emborsky-pattern on Ravelry)

Funshine Bear (Care Bears Crochet Characters LA #3690)

Bee's Tea (bee and chamomile flower from 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet)

Blooming Lip Balm Bangle (Krochet Krystal-pattern on Ravelry)

It has been said...

2009-09-29T20:16:00.012-05:00

an apple a day keeps the Doctor away. Someone you cherish is considered the apple of your eye. To keep both in mind, I'm calling this pattern...Apple of my Heart.

Materials needed for a 5 1/2 inch square

Worsted weight yarn in: white, red, pink, green, light green, and brown

G hook

Yarn needle

To start: chain 24, single crochet in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across (23 sc). Follow chart. After the last charted row, do not break yarn. Chain 1, 3 single crochet in the first sc to make corner, single crochet across to next corner (21 sc), 3 sc for corner, single crochet along side edge evenly, then across the beginning chain loops and along remaining side edge making 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off yarn and weave in all ends.

Make one, make a few, make a lot. Items made can be used for fundraising and the pattern is free, just be sure you give the credit to me.

Jingle Bell

2009-09-21T14:52:00.008-05:00

Here's a patten to get you started on your Holiday Decorating.

Materials Needed:

Small amount of Main Color (MC) for bell
Approximately 1 yd of black
Small amounts of polyfil for stuffing
Hook: G for worsted, F for sport
Yarn needle

Model made with Red Heart Sport and an F hook

Bell half: make 2

Rnd 1: Using magic loop, 6 sc in ring, do not join. Place marker and continue working in rounds (6sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each stitch around (12sc)
Rnd 3: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next stitch) around. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Sc in each stitch around.

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing on one of the halves.
Pull magic loop closed and secure end.

Bell hanger: make 1

With MC chain 5, slip stitch in 2nd chain from loop and in each chain across. Finish off (4 stitches)
Thread the longer of the two ends on a yarn needle and weave the yarn to the other end of the hanger.
Insert this end one row past the center of one bell half. Repeat with other yarn end. Secure both ends.
This completes the top half of the bell. Weave in remaining yarn end. Set aside.

Bell Bottom:
Using photo as a guide, with black yarn make 2 straight stitches to from an X on the other bell half.
Make french knots or colonial knots (my preference) at the end of each straight stitch. Secure ends.

To Make Up:
Thread yarn tail of bottom piece onto needle. With the X facing you, overcast the two halves together going through both loops of the top half and the back loop only of the bottom half. Stuff before closing. Run ends through the bell and out the other side and trim.

With the X facing you and MC, insert hook in the free loops made from joining the two halves. Slip stitch in each free loop around.
Fasten off. Run ends through bell and out the other side and trim.

Make one, make a few, make a lot. Items made can be used for fundraising and the pattern is free, just be sure you give the credit to me. Sherri

It took a little

2009-08-25T12:46:00.007-05:00

...discipline to finish up this Crocheted Baby Dress. I absolutely love the color. Caron Country's Berry Frappe. It's a tad on the heavy side. Next time I'll use Spa instead. The pattern was easy to follow until reaching assembly then there seemed to be a lack of directions. Maybe it was just me. I am a bit directionally challenged. :) That and my brain is melted from so many days of 100+ on the mercury.

Pefect

2009-08-11T15:58:00.004-05:00

>...for a picnic. These Blossom Napkin rings were made as part of a mystery gift a long challenge. One friend picks a project, another picks a color, and then our moderator posts the challenge. This week's project was, of course, napkin rings and the color chosen was red. It took me the better part of a day to decide on how to use the red in a napkin ring. Not wanting to make them in solid red, I opted for a Helenium flower. The pattern can be found in 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet, the leaf can be found on attic24's blog, and the ring can be found on Lily's website. They are crocheted using worsted weight yarn and they are in my humble opinion...perfect for a picnic.

Rejoice in Peace

2009-08-07T11:36:00.005-05:00

...is the title of this Homespun Elegance, Cinnamon Stick Christmas XIX design. Old Kris Kringle is not yet in standup form and his banner is missing, but for the most part he is done. Santa is going into hibernation as he detests the sweltering summer heat. He is dressed for much snowier climes. As for his banner, it is to be adorned with a rusty star. Best to leave it in the protective packaging until it is needed.

Sky Scissor Fob Alphabet

2009-06-26T09:43:00.006-05:00

Use this alphabet to personalize your scissor fob. Copyright (c) Sherri's Sundries 2009

Sky Scissor Fob set 3

2009-06-26T09:38:00.005-05:00

Live in the deep South? Want to beat the heat? Then you might like this Snowflake and Texas Snowman. This time the designs are 29 x 29 stitches. Copyright (c) Sherri's Sundries 2009

Sky Scissor Fob set 2

2009-06-26T09:31:00.006-05:00

This time the designs represent the night sky. Just in case you are wondering (hubby was at a loss), they are Orion, Full Moon, and Twinkling Stars. Copyright (c) Sherri's Sundries 2009

Sky Scissor Fob set 1

2009-06-25T17:08:00.006-05:00

First set of designs for my Sky Friends. Feel free to use pattern to make items for gifts or profit. Just don't sell my designs or claim them for your own. Copyright (c) Sherri's Sundries 2009

Gram is in the Lead

2009-06-22T08:09:00.006-05:00

...baby is a close second. There was a bit of a scare when we thought our granddaughter was going to arrive far ahead of time. But with meds and bedrest the scare is over. And I have finished the nursery bedding in time for the little princess to make her arrival. All of the following pieces are from Simplicity Pattern 9140. I had a bit of trouble with the diaper stacker directions, but I am directionally challenged. No photos of the sheets or the crib skirt as they just don't photograph well without a crib, but I promise they are done. The sheets are done in both the care bear and the yellow striped fabric. The crib skirt is purple with a pink overlay.

Help!

2009-06-06T14:25:00.005-05:00

I'm getting old and can't remember all the details for this Prim inspired Raggedy Ann Doll.(lost info during a change of computers) I believe that I used these directions for the body, but the face came from another site. It was a free pattern for bowl filler annie ornies. There was also a tutorial for the hair, oh and that is what I needed to use to finish this gal up! She now has a few more locks on her head and is resting comfortably in a folkware bowl. If you recognize her facial features as your own or because you have visited the site where her ancestors reside, please let me know. I'm sure there was something I wanted to purchase from that website.

Me Too Syndrome

2009-05-31T11:11:00.005-05:00

We all get it at some point. Somebody has something and you decide you want it. This time it was a potholder. This is what I get for looking at friend's blogs and photo albums. I followed this pattern with a minor adjustment. I changed the center number of stitches to twelve. I found the border pattern met where it should, only when my rounds were divisible by 3. I also made a back and then slipped stitched the two sides together.

And then there were...

2009-05-30T17:52:00.005-05:00

4. Another birthday fairy arrived the day after I posted the arrival of the first 3. Thank you, friend for the thoughtful gift. I cannot wait to make something from the book and the thimble has already found a home in my collection.

I Do Believe in Fairies

2009-05-26T12:16:00.010-05:00

...especially, birthday ones. Thank you to all of mine. I know you had to fly from various parts of the globe to deliver my gifts. I love them all!

Granny

2009-04-27T13:45:00.002-05:00

...gets her groove on. I don't know what else to say. This is the last of my long time crochet ufo's. I started this a couple of years ago (with the color pink in there, I'd say in February) and just did a few squares here and a few there. Enough of those kinds of days finally led to a finish. Granny is crocheted using Caron Simply Soft Yarn in various colors using an H hook. It measures approximately 42" x 56".

A Long Time

2009-03-31T15:16:00.003-05:00

...punching to build this house. This design is called Saltbox and is from Little House of Needleworks. Check back in the future to see how I've chosen to finish off this piece. It will be good. I promise.

An Adventure

2009-03-28T10:22:00.003-05:00

...in toy making. I'm fairly comfortable crocheting toys, but knitting them is a bit of a challenge. At first it was because I was a "beginner knitter" and following a pattern seemed a bit like reading a foreign language. When I pulled out the bag (not hat) with the bunny, I realized why the little fella became a ufo. I didn't know how to do the seaming. Mattress seaming is a skill I've now acquired as well as drawing my own schematic for the sweater. I think he turned out pretty cute.

Practice

2009-03-24T12:35:00.003-05:00

...makes perfect. That is the reason why I started this 18 inch doll sweater. No need to start a big project when a little one will teach you the same skills and get done, hopefully, in a shorter amount of time, right? This one stalled when I reached the cuff on the first sleeve. I was so happy to have made it to the next step in the process, I failed to realize the directions had to have been wrong. Any doll that would wear this sweater would need arms the length of a gorilla. Seven inches in length for an 18 inch doll is just too much. Instead of frogging my work, the sweater lingered in the work basket until I could figure out what to do. Finding a similar sleeve to the one in question helped to solve the knitting dilemma. I now have a completed sweater and a tad more skill in putting one together. The pattern can be found in Knits for Girls & Dolls by Charlene Schurch.

Socks!

2009-03-19T18:05:00.002-05:00

...to keep my feet warm, only I just finished them and out here on the edge of the desert the temperature has already climbed into the high 80's. Go figure. But my toes will be toasty next winter. I used Bearfoot by Mountain Colors Yarn in the Firestorm color-way. The pattern I chose for my first pair of socks was Garter Stitch Rib found in this book.

Everyone Needs...

2009-03-09T15:55:00.004-05:00

a security blanket. I made one for my favorite Scottish Terrier, Baxter. The squares were crocheted using Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Watercolor using the pattern Gavin's Stripes in 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton. Both the trim and border were done in RHSS Dk Sage following Priscilla Hewitt's Blanket Binding Afghan Edging directions with a couple of slight modifications.

Sweet Dreams

2009-03-07T09:32:00.003-06:00

...are sure to be had while sleeping under this blanket of pink and white flowers. Cuddletime Blossoms can be found in Our Best Baby Afghans published by Leisure Arts. My version is worked in Bernat Baby Softee and was a joy to make.

It's A...

2009-02-26T11:53:00.003-06:00

Baby Sweater. The first knitted garment made for my first grandchild. The pattern is from Quick Baby Knits by Debbie Bliss. I used Baby Bee yarn purchased from Hobby Lobby in Baby Sage and Green Camo Too colorways. After knitting the gauge squares I cast on following the directions for size 1. Now that the garment is finished I compared it to a 6 to 9 month size onesie recently purchased and it appears the sweater is closer to 9 months than the size 1. I'm just thrilled it is finished and actually looks like it is supposed too. Yea!

Winter Is

2009-02-20T14:55:00.002-06:00

...cold and dreary. A perfect time finish up this reminder that Spring is around the corner. This piece is titled "Among the Roses" by Just Nan. Don't you envy the turtle?

A Cabin in the Woods

2009-02-10T15:48:00.002-06:00

...can be a nice weekend retreat. It is for me an absolutely delightful piece of cross-stitch. This pattern is a Bent Creek design. I stitched it using the recommended flosses with one exception. The waterfall calls for WDW dolphin. What I had was far grayer than the charts picture, so I used one strand of dolphin combined with one strand of GAST peacock. Another change I made was to cross-stitch the door instead of filling in the area with satin stitching. I tried the satin stitching and kept losing my colonial knot doorknob. I'm happy with the results.

Ruffles All Around

2009-02-09T16:59:00.002-06:00

...is the Parents' to be first choice in baby blankets. The pattern can be found in this book. The ruffles are almost non existent on the ends. If you are thinking about making this pattern, try 4 dc in each dc instead of 2 on the increase rounds. It is what I will do if I make this blanket again.

Groundhog Day

2009-02-03T09:54:00.003-06:00

...brought six more weeks of winter (Punxsutawny Phil saw his shadow) and another finish for me. This free bib pattern is made up of leftover half-square triangles cut from some flying geese units. They were a bit fiddly to work with as was the pre-made bias tape ties. It turned out rather cute, though.

Sunshine in Winter

2009-01-26T10:22:00.003-06:00

is hard to come by. At least it was in January of 2006 when I started these Redware Plates from Cross Country Stitching (Oct 2005). When the days got longer I moved on to other projects and more spring like colors. It makes me smile to know that next winter when gray skies abound, I can pull out these small bits of sunshine and turn them into little pillows or ornaments and once again brighten the day.

Love is

2009-01-18T12:15:00.007-06:00

...keeping your hubby's hands warm with Berroco's Jacoby gauntlets made with Kroy washable sock yarn in Gentry Grey. A couple of modifications to the original pattern: first I continued increasing until I had 18 stitches between the markers, second I continued knitting until the gaunlets measure 8 1/4 inches from the cast on edge. Another finish to mark off my list.

A is for...

2009-01-12T13:42:00.002-06:00

Acorn. And Awesome! This is my second finish of the year. I'm not really sure why this one became a UFO as I love Hillside Samplings designs and green is my favorite color. Now to save up some funds for the framing.

First Finish of 2009

2009-01-02T17:37:00.004-06:00

Yea! Completion of a craft project this early in the year makes for a Happy occasion. One project down, 51 more to go. These little country girls are from Cross Country Stitching magazine Oct 2005. I'm still uncertain how I want to do the finishing work on the stitched pieces, so for now they will go in the Finishing Box.

The stockings were

2008-12-18T13:13:00.005-06:00

...not hung, but the little bears were and all because the gauntlets kept my hands warm.

The stockings have been in the works nigh on 10 years. You know how it is...you spy a must do project and by the time you are nearing the finish, you make the decision to do multiples! Hopefully, before next year's Christmas these will be actually sewn into functioning flatware holders for my holiday table. Sorry, I don't know the designer. I think it may have been a BHG publication.

The bears are from Little Cotton Rabbits. There's a link in an older post and also one on my sidebar.

The gauntlets are from Berroco and the pattern can be found here. I used Lion Brand Woolease sport in Woodland Print. Next time I will make the pattern gauge a little larger for a better fit.

Trimming the Tree

2008-12-03T16:43:00.003-06:00

...is so much fun with decorations like this little Christmas Tree Bear ornament designed by Julie Williams of Little Cotton Rabbits. Julie has graciously shared the pattern for this ornament on her website. You can find the link here. It was fairly easy to work up, (seaming is still a challenge) and I hope to knit a few more to adorn my tree.

Gingerbread Cookies

2008-12-02T16:08:00.006-06:00

...can be calorie free if they are crocheted like this adorable Ginny Gingerbread Doll. Designed by Jocelyn Sass, this holiday cutie can be found in Crochet World December 2008. My version is worked in Red Heart worsted weight yarn in warm brown, paddy green and white.

Area 51

2008-11-21T10:56:00.002-06:00

...revisited. Here are more UFO's I've found hiding out in my craft room. I wonder how many more I will unearth if I keep looking?

Trimming the Tree

2008-11-18T14:08:00.006-06:00

Late last night, I finished up these "quick as a wink" ornaments. The people writing the pattern description didn't realize that my wink would turn into a Rip Van Winkle nap. One UFO down, many more to go.

Area 51

2008-11-16T20:25:00.009-06:00

...in real life the name is synonymous with aliens and ufo's. Here, in my new blog, it is the title by which all posts regarding my stitching UnFinishedObject's may be found. The goal? To knock those flying saucers right out of my craft room by the end of 2009. This is what I'm up against.

There's more, actually, but it is a bit daunting to see it all at once.