Memory Quilt

A couple of months ago I was contacted by a woman who had recently lost her mother.  She had heard about some of the t-shirt quilts I had made and wondered if I would be able to make a quilt our of her mothers clothing.  After seeing that she had more than enough clothes I set to work on this beauty.

She had chosen a lattice quilt pattern to set off the prints and patterns in her mother's clothes.

It took me just over 21 hours to complete this 78"X105" quilt.

I quilted an all over meandering heart pattern which complements this quilt perfectly.

 Off it goes to it's forever home.

The demise of a sweater vest

Look how much I was able to knit on George's Vest over the weekend!!  I really was able to get a lot done and I was so excited...until.

Yes. The dreaded until.  Until I laid it out just like in the photo above.  I thought to myself.."self.  That looks a little small for a 2T-3T."  And I answered, "yes, I do believe you are correct."  Just to be sure I measured it.  Yup.  I had made the 24 month size not the 2t-3t size.  UGH.  I guess that is what you get for casting on when you are watching a movie.

So, it was today with a heavy heart that watched the demise of a almost finished project.

I took it off the needles and started to rip-it.

And rip-it.

Sniff...

At least I was able to capture our last few moments together.  sigh.

Now, I think I'll find a nice one size fits all pattern. Perhaps a scarf.

Knitting again

Last weekend we spent driving back and forth to Charleston.  The kids had a Band Competition and a soccer game, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.  It was our intention to hang out in Charleston for the weekend but Homecoming Dance on Saturday night we had to swing back.  It's not a long drive only about 2 hours but driving four times was a little much.  This did ensure that I had time enough to knit not only while sitting in the car but while watching all of the events take place over the weekend.  I finished up this cute little tunic. As I mentioned before it is pattern from Elena Nodel which you can find here.  I plan to make the larger tunic in a scarlet and grey color way for a niece in Ohio..  go Bucks!

I had time this week to run (limp.) out and pick up some cute leggings and a long sleeve top to wear with it.  It turned out so cute.  I only hope it fits, if only for a little while. :)

George's Vest by Chrystal Erb Junkins
(How Cute is He?)

After spraining my ankle, I started on a matching sweater vest for her brother using the grey yarn.  (Amazing how much knitting you can get accomplished when you are forced to sit and elevate your leg multiple times a day.) George's Vest by Chrystal Erb Junkins is the pattern I am using.  You can find it here on Ravelry. I plan on making the vest grey and (possibly) crocheting a matching bow tie with the variegated yarn.  There are so many cute crochet bow tie patterns!

Today I am off to watch the final Band performance of the year... State Finals! Of course I will have my knitting to keep me company.
Knit on!

Quilty goodness

Okay, I hinted at quilting projects in process, now here is a visual sneak peak...

This is a custom quilt job of mine.  Believe it or not all of these squares used to be clothes!?! Still sashing this beauty more picts to come soon.

I also have been piecing hexes.  Inspiration struck about a month or two ago and now I have a pattern for all of these pieced flowers.  We shall see if they ever become an actual quilt. 

Last but certainly not least I'm working on several new Christmas stockings.  My inspiration pieces came from the book Modern Holiday by Amanda Murphy.  

Modern Holiday Stocking by Amanda Murphy

While I am not following her patterns to the letter. Her Hexi stocking pattern is sure to show up hanging on my mantle. Amanda Murphy had a blog tour last year if you're interested in checking out more projects from her book check out  Amanda Murphy Design for all the links.

I'M BACK

I'm back from my longer than expected hiatus from blogging.  I mentioned, or I think I mentioned in a previous post that this year we are hosting a foreign exchange student.  When considering this, I knew that there would be more work involved.  Going from 3 teens to 4 obviously more work involved.  I knew there would be more laundry, more after school activities, more cooking (a lot more cooking), and more trips to the doctor.  Poor Martin had to get up close and personal with American Dentistry, just a month after arriving.
Welcome to America!  How about a root canal? Sounds like fun right?

I failed to comprehend how much more time all of this would take, and frankly how much more tired I would be.  Thankfully I we are adjusting nicely.

Sadly, my crafting is suffering.  I have less and less time to devote to quilting, sewing, knitting and the like.  But I do have a few things to share that have successfully made it into various Dr.'s appts.

My dear friend sent me this Awesome tote that she made and embroidered to help me keep crafting. 

Made from recycled denim in 3 various shades it had been a wonderful addition to my project bag rotation.  Not only did she send me this bag, she also sent me the directions to make my own.  (as well as a very* Large HINT* that I should develop a pattern to share with you all.  Never one to shy away from a *hint* I have it in the works.

Since I have this totally wonderful new bag I had to have a new project to tote around in my tote:)

I have been working on this cute tunic for my niece.  It's a pattern from Elena Nodel.  I came upon it on Ravelry you can find the small version here and the larger child version here.

I have been doing a little quilting.  I have 2 projects currently in the works.  For now I must sneak in a shower before I head off to the grocery. (again)