Knitting Mitts

One of my favourite pastimes in the car (or in this case truck) is knitting.  The light is good, and unless it is complicated the vibration of the ride doesn't matter.

These were for my Grandkids so they are smallish...even the red ones wouldn't fit me.

Backside of the Frontside

I love when the back looks as neat and tidy as the front.  Well maybe I like it because it shows off how much stitching I did...

Red redwork embroidery blocks

I had worked these blocks many moons (read years, maybe) ago and realized they would be a great addition to another quilt top I am working on so this morning I sashed them.  After putting on and ripping off a green sashing I new this was the right fabric and am really pleased with just the blocks.

I apologize for not knowing where these designs come from.  I believe they are by Bronwyn Hayes.  If anyone knows differently, please tell me.

These two blocks are definitely Bronwyn.  They are from the May 2003 Australian Country Threads special edition called Stitchery.  In case you are interested here is a link to her Pinterest page....are you back yet - I know wonderful, huh?

New Fabric from New Zealand

My Cousin went to New Zealand to visit a dear friend and in all that bonding time she found time to visit a quilting store.  Just for me.

I feel special.  And look what she brought me back.

New Scarf I Knitted

I took a trip over to Gina Brown's and came home with some yarn.  I bought a great bulky one and made this scarf over the holidays.

Redwork finds a home with Little Step Stones

Further to the redwork story, I love it when I have an inspiration.  I thought if I just laid out the redwork with the Little Step Stones blocks I have been working on...

I believe I am on to something...

I was particularly happy when I found this Robert Kaufman fabric called Splish Splash in my stash.  I think it really adds a special zing to the embroidery.

Small Duffle bag Christmas Project

My DD asked me to make three of her kids small travel duffels for Christmas.  She wanted them to be similar to ones I made for her and her siblings in the 90's.  I am posting this now that she has them.

I made the carcass using regular quilting fabric with a heavy iron-on interfacing and a lining fabric.  Then I stitched and serged the three layers together.  The pieces could be handled more easily.  She requested a double zipper on each side of a long tongue.

The bag has side pieces that are cut 22" by 13".  The Tongue is cut 3" by 44" then interfaced the whole length and doubled over stitching the zippers on either side.

I traced the end ovals and then topstitched all layers together.

Finally, the end product...