All the KALs

 It seems the Autumn is the season of knitalong and it also appears that I am being the ultimate joiner this year.

It all started with Joji Locatelli's Fall KAL, the aim of which is to knit any of Joji's patterns in six weeks (it has been 3 months in previous years) and if you were really ambitious you could sign up for more that one pattern.

This coincided nicely with my plan to knit a Susurrus Sweater for my mum for Xmas, a little extra incentive to get it started is no bad thing.

The photo shows my progress after one week, I suspect I won't have a finished object by the end of the KAL but I'll be on the way and I'm not knitting this sweater purely for the chance of winning prizes.

With the sweater planned there was no way I was going to sign up for Stephen West's Shawlography Mystery KAL but it would be interesting to follow the Ravelry forum and it couldn't hurt watching his intro video...

And then I had chosen my perfect yarn set (which can't be captured accurately by my phone camera it would appear). Looking forward to the first clue being released next Friday.

And finally, and technically not in the Autumn so I do have some breathing space, there the Yarniacs Podcast Self Indulgent Knitalong which starts 21 Dec. I haven't got photos oh my yarn but I know I'm going to knit the Flying Foxtails Wrap by Stephen West in a beautiful silk mix yarn from North Shire Yarns, in a colourway called Victoria, with a grey bushed alpaca silk from Drops - feels like a very self indulgent mix.

Looks like I've got my big knitting items planned till post Xmas! 

Progress with The Plan

So the beginning of June seems as good a time as any to review my "plan", which was just my list of UFOs and planned makes which I am aiming to put a dent in this year whilst not adding too many new projects to the list. 

I broke my plan into 3 parts, so I'll update in those three parts. 

The first part was the UFOs as follows with progress updates:

1 Hue Shift Afghan - complete (except the ends, don't mention the ends) 

2 Floozy - just needs buttons purchasing

3 Sparkle Punch Quilt - on the quilting frame, getting my nerve together! 

4 Alice cushion - getting close to a completed flimsy

5 Aran squares - one added to the collection

6 Pumpkin mini - complete

7 Xmas stars - nothing much to report

8 Wedding quilt

9 Opal socks

10 Jessa shorts - slow progress has restarted on the toile

There has also been some progress (and removals) on the ready to go list:

1 Highland cushions

2 Colourwork stocking

3 Scheepjes hat - complete

4 Scheepjes Shrug - removed and planning to use the whirl for something else 

5 Hitofude

6 Blythes Spirit - next in line

7 Lottie and Albert Blanket 

8 WM quilt - basted 

9 Bird quilt - must stop collecting fabric for it! 

10 Xmas mini

11 Socks - one pair done, another 3/4 complete

12 Cross stitch bookmark

Of the Requires Refinement List I now know what pattern I will be using for the cat quilt, the joni dress has all the necessary materials purchased so is now in my dress making queue and the cowl may not be a purl soho one! 

All in all quite pleasing progress, and I haven't deviated too much from the lists. 

Quilts are like buses...

...you wait ages and then three come along at once .

I can't believe I haven't blogged in almost a month. A combination of a holiday, family stuff, DIY and not taking photos has led to the break. I have been knitting and sewing when I can though. Still working my way through the RBTL wrap, still enjoying it luckily.

I have also been sewing and failed miserably to keep my self imposed one project at a time rule.

The Sparkle Punch quilt is coming on well, Elizabeth Hartman's construction instructions limit the number of seams to be matched in one go (lucky asvseam matching is a skill I don't really have yet). Ordered some quite loud backing fabric for this from Quilt Sandwich in hopes of finishing it soon.

I have also been commissioned to make a baby quilt for my partner's great niece

Not the best photo but fortunately I had these blocks already lurking in my stash so this will be a quick finish, hopefully next weekend.

And finally if I hadn't got enough to do I decided I needed to make a jelly roll race quilt.

I can't say too much about this, as it's meant as a surprise gift. I was a bit optimistic about how long the top takes to construct and then panicked slightly just before the last join that the top was going to be a funny size, but all seems well so far.

Pre-emptive buying!

I was going to title this post something along the lines of "oops I've bought more craft supplies" but I've decided to think of it more as saving money, through buying during sales, and being prepared so I have a project ready to go when I've finished all the others (written with a straight face).

Anyway it isn't like I've bought much...

Just a jelly roll and two more whirls. 

The jelly roll is for a jelly roll race quilt which I've actually started as it'll be a quick finish and I'd like to get it to the intended recipient as soon as possible. The whirls are for a crochet version of the RBTL and will probably be waiting to be used for quite a while as once I've finished the RBTL I must do a few more squares for an Arab blanket I'm making with my mum (it's been in progress for ages but also takes up a lot of room in my yarn drawer!).

Now all I have to do is stop looking at blogs, magazines, Ravelry, shops and the like so I don't find anymore things I have to make...

...yeah I don't think that's going to happen either.

Sunday Progress

A fair amount of progress to report this weekend.

Firstly a finish...

My magic loop socks are off the needles and on my feet.  The magic loop technique took a little getting used to but I'll definitely use it again, I didn't miss juggling multiple dpns.

Next, I've started binding the table runners...

I found the binding fabric in my stash, I was going to use plain black fabric but in reality it looked a bit harsh.  I'm glad I had a large enough piece of the spotty fabric, I still have enough of it for its original project too.

I've re-started my next sewing UFO; not a huge amount done but it's got me back in the groove.

And finally there's the Xmas things...

Enough said about that at the moment! (Although it does seem to be going a little better)

Not quick, not easy!

As I have finally finished one of my knitting UFOs I decided to move onto the next item on the list ... the cryptically named Xmas things.   I have made these before and I remembered them as a relatively quick and easy project.

WRONG!

After two hours work last night this is what I had to show for it...

A wonky beaded cast on and one row of knitting.  The cast on required the use of the thumb method which I haven't used a lot but am usually ok with, apart from last night! Add to that not checking number of beads and yarn colours before starting and a huge knotted join in the green yarn and I'd have to say last night was not a fun knitting night.

I'm sure things will improve. At least I've decided to be realistic and aim to finish these things for Xmas 2018!

Sunday Progress

Between work busyness and it being the time of year for social events galore I didn't expect to have much to report this weekend, but a spurt of activity on Friday has helped this post.

I've basted and quilted the two table runners, nothing fancy just diagonal lines on the random one and horizontal lines on the other.

The second photo is more representative of the backing fabric, just a random piece I bought in a bundle a few years ago.  I may regret not quilting more heavily as I've used both heat resistant wadding and a layer of normal wadding as recommended somewhere.  Hopefully I'll get the chance to put the binding on this week.

I also have just 14 rows left of the sock foot before the toe, that's got to be doable this week!

Sunday Progress - Feels like déjà vu

Still going...

Halfway down the leg of the second sock. It's been a busy and tiring week at work so not a whole lot of progress has been made on the UFO's, but a little is better than nothing!

Sunday Progress...Avoiding second sock syndrome

With minimal time dedicated to craft this week I have actually managed to finish my first magic loop sock.

And I have even started the second sock...

It's the sensible thing to do!

Being optimistic I have decided on my next UFO list:

1. Xmas stocking.
2. Little Xmas knits.
3. Sparkle punch quilt.
4. Cushion cover.

Again a couple of relatively quick ones and some more long term projects.  Of course nothing, well at least the Xmas stocking, can't be worked on until the mystery blanket is finished.  Good thing I don't want the stocking for this year!

Sunday Progress - Turning a corner

To a certain extent, work and work related socialising has impeded my crafty progress this week. Although saying that an overnight shift did allow me to focus on my sock knitting (and sort some random 2.5 inch squares that I have for some reason that I don't remember...more about them another time).

The outcome of this sock dedication is that I have finally turned the heel on my first magic loop sock.

I realised I'm a bit out of practice with any method of sock knitting but I got there with a bit of googling.

The magic loop technique definitely makes for an easily portable project (no chance of runaway needles) 
but it feels a little slower than using dpns with all the adjusting for front and back. Maybe I'll have to start another pair using dpns once I've finished this as a sort of experiment!?

Oh and this is how I port my portable knitting projects...

It's actually a large climbing chalk bag, but ideal for a single ball of wool and short needles or a crochet hook.  Ive recently noticed the loop on the front which can hold scissors or such like if needed.

Sunday Progress - a little late but (almost) worth the wait

The less exciting news first. I have finished another patch on my knitted blanket.

This one seemed really quick as it was pretty much just 2 rows repeated 25 times. 

Only three more squares to go (unless I've managed to miss another patch somewhere along the line).

And now onto the star of the show...

The Xmas quilt is finished ... binding on, ends sewn in and tacks removed. Started over Xmas 2011 it's finally done for Xmas 2017!

With the finishes slowly building up I'm considering what other UFOs and unstarted projects to focus on next.

Feeling Fruity

My crafting this week seems to have developed a fruit theme (assuming you can call baking crafting). 

I have finally started a project using the RJR Farmer's Market fabric, which I've probably had longer than this blog.

I'd always intended on making something for a dining table for the but wasn't entirely sure about a design. I bit the bullet and cut them into 3.5inch squares which I will use to make a simple table runner (maybe two if I have enough squares).

I love the almost photographic nature of the print.

The other fruit I have been working with is the fruit for a Christmas cake, once again I'm using the Pink Which recipe ... HERE ...tried and tested and all that.

Ideally the fruit has to soak in brandy and sweetened orange juice for six weeks, being stirred daily for the first week - smells amazing! Last year I made my cake very last minute and only soaked the fruit for a couple of days, still tasted good though.

Sunday Progress

Having been away for a week I wasn't expecting to have much progress to report but an unexpected sewing night on Friday has significantly helped matters.

For the first time I used the sewing table set up in our new house.

The room is yet to be decorated and the furniture is likely to be changed but, with the addition of a lamp behind machine, I think this will be fine. And I can always go and use the dining room table!

So what got progressed? Well from my UFO list I actually finished the Kindle case...

I think this one is definitely the best yet, although there is a little bit of bulkiness inside which may be due to missing a pressing step or being too nervous when trimming the seams.  The only thing which is slightly irritating is the upside down hedgehogs on the flap. Ah well!

I also started my 47th ish block on the knitted blanket.

Not on my UFO to-do list, yet, is the 365 quilt blocks...

8 and 9 Jan completed, I think I will be joining the 2018 challenge too!

I'm now going to curl up with my binding sewing and see if I can achieve another finish this week.

An early quilt top...unsurprisingly unfinished!

So in checking my blog for whether I'd ever mentioned this quilt top before I learnt a few things:

1. I make a lot of kindle covers (not all for other people, I think I've lost two so far)

2. I'm rubbish at finishing things, my early to-do lists seem to contain projects which are still in progress 

3. I need some quality control on my blog as I've posted about the same thing twice at least once (if that makes sense).

Anyway the point of today's post is the dilemma I'm having over an unfinished top. My very first quilting class was how to make a french braid, or at least that was the outcome of it. Which I then made in to a top. Unfortunately my choice of fabrics as based on a random jelly roll I'd picked up some time before and to tell the truth I'm not madly keen about the colours.

The top consists of four columns of braid and a fairly large quantity  of the border fabric - it seems I always had a taste for large quilts!

I feel bad leaving this top unfinished and I really can't bring myself to bin it, so I am going to finish it and them decide it's fate. At the moment I'm leaning towards donating it to Project Linus or a charity raffle prize but we'll see.  Judging on my past abilities to finish things that decision will be way off in the future!

Wedding Banner Quilt...the saga continues

I think part of my problem with finishing things off is that I keep on starting new things.

Anyway over two years ago I made a quilt top for my brother and sister-in-law, which was used as a banner at their wedding (see post 5 Sep 14).  The plan was that it would be quilted and then used by them.  Like all the best laid plans this didn't actually happen, the quilt top is around 3m square and I've been somewhat challenged about how to baste it as I couldn't find a flat area large enough to accommodate the quilt and have space for me to move round it.  Well this weekend I've bitten the bullet, so to speak, and using a double bed as a work surface I've basted the quilt.

Even pressing the top was tricky.

I'm somewhat concerned that this method of basting is going to result in pleats in the backing, but it's the best I can come up with and I think a usable quilt on a bed with a couple of pleats is better than the component parts sitting in a bag in my house.

13 in 2013

So whilst thinking about goal setting for the year, and catching up with some blog reading, I came across this post by Aunt Marti at 52 Quilts in 52 Weeks - a challenge to complete 13 quilty UFOs in a year seemed to be absolutely perfect for me.  I am going to modify my attempt at the challenge however, as I don't always get a lot of crafting time some months (and some of my projects are fairly large) I am not going to follow the project number for the month.

So here are my 13 UFOs for 2013...

1. Sparkle Punch Quilt
2. Cat Quilt
3. Fruit and Veg Project
4. Christmas Quilt
5. Fabric Landscape
6. Xmas Table Runner
7. Hand Sewn Tumbling Blocks Quilt
8. Rainbow Quilt - Hand Quilt
9. Dancing Koi Wall Hanging
10. Debbie Abrahams Mystery Blanket 2012
11. Crochet Scarf
12. Aran Blanket
13. Farmer's Wife Quilt or Invergarry Quilt

Fingers crossed!

Review of 2012 goals

Well, a little late, but I've been looking back on last years goals to see how I did...

1.  Finish the hand sewn quilt for my brother (if we could find it I'd also like to finish my sister's one too it only needs backing and quilting. Absolutely no where near on these ones!

2.  Have less WIPs at the end of 2012 than I have at the start (I'll have a count up later). I never did count up, but I've definitely not added to the list and I'm being stricter on finishing before I start anything else.

3.  Run the Great South Run in less than 2hrs (this should be possible but I seem to get worse each year). Just a minute off on this one - on the plus side that was about 15 mins faster than I managed the year before - looks like I'll be.

4.  Loose weight (ideally 28lbs - its amazing how quickly I gained that amount). Although I didn't actually start until May I have surpassed this one - 35lbs lost at last count and still going.

5.  Keep up with the Debbie Abrahams Mystery Blanket.  Nope.

6.  Have less unread 'real' books than I have now (I'll have a count up later its somewhere in the region of 20!)  I'm a hopeless bibliophile what can I say!

Well not a particularly good effort on meeting my goals.  I think I may set some more this year (they may be very similar to last year's though) but maybe review them more often to keep myself on track.

Oh Heck!

Why the title? Well...

...firstly, I have just entered myself in a half marathon - I am not the world's keenest or most dedicated runner - but it's not until March.  Maybe I will be better behaved than when I have previously entered (shorter races) and actually do some training!  Did 3 miles this evening in the drizzle - see how long that motivation lasts!

...secondly, my chilli plant is going mad, the six chillies I originally had have gone red and there is at least half a dozen more baby chillies evident.  I have no idea when they are ready for picking and I don't think I've ever used fresh chilli before.  Looks like I'm going to have to frequently in the not so distant future! I'm loving how nice the plant looks with its white flowers and red chillies.

...thirdly, after deciding that I simply had to make the Farmer's Wife Quilt (courtesy of some wonderful tutorials from Lori at Bee in My Bonnet) I decided to work out whether I already had too much on the go (craft wise) to actually go and buy some fabric.  Well it turns out I have (insert embarassed cough here) 9 crafty projects (knitting, sewing, cross-stitch) in progress, 1 project on hold but definitely in progress.  And the materials and patterns ready to go for another five projects.  This does not include any fabric or yarn I've bought just in case!  I definitely need to get some finishes under my belt before I even consider doing anything about the other half dozen or so projects that have attracted my attention.  And before my sister points it out, I almost definitely shouldn't have started all those projects until some of the others were done!

And on that note I'm off to attack one of my WIPs and watch Torchwood - whilst ignoring the ironing pile!

Mostly Random!

I don't have anything more to show for this weekend's work but I did spend Sunday cutting (it takes ages) so hopefully I can get more achieved next weekend.  I reckon finishing Ganny's quilt top is on the cards and I'd like to get my log cabin one quilted.  If I'm feeling rich I may go and get the wadding for my 'love it, hate it' neon quilt and some suitable quilting thread (if there is such a thing) as I have a plan as to how I want to quilt it finally. 

I feel the quilt will be the final touch in making my room really homely and me-ey.  The penultimate step being the purchase of a second hand chair to make a cosy corner.

I have a really good feeling that this chair is going to be a really big help in keeping me away from my laptop of an evening - it it amazingly comfy.

I must keep myself away from yarn shops online or otherwise.  I have a major desire to knit another Baltic Sea Stole (and happened to find some gorgeous yarn options) but I have a huge drawer of yarn to make a dent in and five (sorry make that six) quilts to finish (not to mention the rather gorgeous sock yarn I happened to come across).  It's a nightmare!

I have started running again, just under two miles and a bit of paddling today.  I have two, four and five mile routes worked out which should be fine for building up to the half marathon in March.

The wrong Bourne movie is on TV and I've cut my finger on the foil from the top of a peanut butter jar.

I'm Not Addicted to Fabric...Not At All...

Well I had been doing a bit of browsing to find some fabric to make a quilt for a baby, gender as yet unknown.  Found a lovely tutorial on A Quilt is Nice and then had to find some suitably quirky fabric.  I came across Keiki's Wee Woodland for Moda and I think it's perfect and so gorgeous.

I may have bought another small piece of the range in turquoise too.  Must resist starting this as have some more urgent ones to do.  Have now got all the fabrics for Ganny's quilt so I will hopefully have chance to work on both log cabins on my next free weekend.

And just so you can see a complete contrast here is my first ever machine sewn quilt top.

Sometimes I love it and sometimes I hate it, it's definitely unique.  Finishing it would probably help and it would be really good if I could bind int in the brights but I'm not sure I have enough scraps and I haven't seen these sold as yardage.