Brian's Snow Pillows

Here are some pillow that I made my SIL's boyfriend for Christmas.  He is very hard to buy for so I figured I'd make him something this year.

Here is the front:

Here is the back:

My hubby and I found this great snowmobile fabric when we were in Maine in June at Knight's on Route 1 in Cape Neddick, ME.  I used my Accuquilt Holiday Medley die (#55043) to make the trees, snowflakes and snow.  I appliqued around each item with coordinating thread to quilt and secure all the small pieces down.  They are big 18" pillows for his house in Vermont!  I know that he will appreciate all the work that went into them!

My pillows were also posted on Accuquilt's Facebook page on December 23, 2014!  Check it out HERE!

Christmas Table Runner

Here is a Christmas table runner that I made one of my hubby's co-worker's:

I followed the directions from THIS blog posting!

Last December, I went through my fabric stash and cut a 2-1/2" strip off of each of my Christmas fabrics and then cut them into squares.  This year, I found the started project and completed it.  I also quilted inside each rectangle with a spiral and I went around the outsides of them also.  I really liked how this came out!

Copper's Quilt

When I was watching my MIL's dog Copper last month, he loved to lay on Hershey's quilt.  Well Hershey was not having it.  So for Christmas, I made Copper his own quilt.  Here it is:

I made this using my Accuquilt GO! Fabric Cutter and Triangle in a Square - 4" Finished die (#55409).  I love how it came out!  It is rather small but Copper is a mini Chihuahua so he will have plenty of room to stretch out! 

Winter Wall Hanging

Here is my second creation using my new Accuquilt Go! Fabric Cutter:

To make this, I used the Holiday Medley #55043 die to cut out the snowflakes, trees and falling snow.  Then I used the Value Die #55018 to make the half square triangles on the top and bottom.  The pattern can be found here!

Also, right now Accuquilt is having a great Black Friday sale.  They are offering 20% off all Go! dies until tomorrow (11/29/14).  Plus the Go! Fabric Cutter Starter Set is only $199.99, that's a $50 savings.

I saw a posting from Sturbridge Quilt and Sew that they are having the same sale (20% off all in stock dies) for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.  I'm heading over there Saturday with my wish list to get some more dies.  I'd be there today but I have to work! :(

Happy AccuQuilting!

My First Accuquilt Quilt

Here is my first creation using my new Accuquilt fabric cutting machine.

 

I used the GO! Value Die only to make this quilt.  The inside blocks in light purple are four blocks of Road to Oklahoma to form a star.  The twelve blocks around the star are Double Four Patch quilt block.

 

I went through my fabric stash and pulled out pinks and purples to make this really girly baby quilt.  It is not for anyone in particular, I was just playing around.

A Quilter's Giveaway

As you may have seen, I recently received an Accuquilt Go Fabric Cutter for my birthday.  Now it's your turn for a chance to get one for free for yourself.

Accuquilt is giving away $200 to use on their website each day for the next 10 days, that is $2,000 in free prizes.  All you need to do is set up an account at:

Create an Account

When you do this, they will automatically give you 250 points (this equals $5 in store credit) to use anyway you like.  Then go shopping and add everything you want into your wish list by clicking on Add to Wishlist next to the Add to Cart button on each product's page.  Everyone that has an account and has registered for the giveaway can win what is in their wishlist.  Here's the link to register for the giveaway after you have created an account:

Giveaway

In case you can't wait to win, they are offering free shipping when you spend $25 until 11/22/14 when you use the promo code FREE25.

Also, if you are not sure if the Accuquilt Go Fabric Cutter is for you and you don't want to make a large investment ($249.99) for something that may not get used enough, then check out the Accuquilt Go Baby!

GO! Baby Fabric Cutter Starter Set

 

This starter set sells for $129.99 and comes with everything pictured here.  It will use most of the dies available in the whole collection but it can only use these sizes 6" x 6", 6" x 12" and 5" x 10" dies.  If you are not fond of the larger dies, this may be the fabric cutter for you.

Here are two other options for you:

1) GO! Baby Craftsy Class Kit- Half Square Triangles-4 1/2" #56501

 

This one is on sale for $89.99 and comes with the die shown here.  It can use all the same sized dies as the one above.

 

2) GO! Baby Craftsy Class Kit- Half Square Triangles-2 1/4" #56050

 

This one is also on sale for $89.99 and comes with the die shown above.  It can use all the same sized dies as the Go Baby Starter Set.

I am not affliated with Accuquilt in any way except for being a happy customer who loves her new toy!
 

Happy quilting!

An Accuquilt Birthday

On Saturday, my hubby and I were shopping around in Sturbridge and I popped into Sturbridge Quilt and Sew on 559 Main Street in Sturbridge, MA.  I stopped in this shop a couple of years ago but they moved to a bigger and brighter area.  The store owner, Gina, was very welcoming and willing to share her expertise on her products.  When I first got there, we walked around checking out the fabric and notions.  Then I went over and I was drooling over the AccuQuilt display with the machine, tons of dies and lots of projects to inspire you.

We wandered over to her education center with plenty of desk space for a fun day of classes and sewing.  We also admired her beautiful Handi-Quilter machine with king sized quilt frame which she used for machine quilting.  Oh, this place was great!

 

She is a Babylock distributor and I noticed the inviting Aria quilting machine.  Take a look for yourself:

  

 

I was in love and my hubby was actually encouraging me to consider buying it even after we heard that the price was $3,499.  We left well informed and excited to go home and research new sewing machines.  After reading reviews and researching other brands with similar features, this was the best deal out there.  But the accountant in me was having a hard time justifying the cost for only 4 new features over my current well-working sewing machine.

 

We went back on Sunday to tell Gina that we decided against a new sewing machine but we wanted more information about the AccuQuilt GO! machine and dies.  Oh no, my OCD could get me carried away with everything that is available.  Here's what we ended up purchasing:

 

GO! Fabric Cutter Starter Set #55100S

 

 

GO! Hexagons #55011

 

 

GO! Equilateral Triangles #55079

 

GO! Holiday Medley #55043

 

When you purchase a GO! machine from her, you name is on file and you will always receive 10% off all dies.  She suggested keeping a wishlist and to watch the newsletter for the featured die since it will be 15% off.  She is also the largest dealer of Accuquilt in central and western Massachusetts.

 

As I was leaving the store with my arms filled with new toys, Gina gave me a big hug.  I felt like I just became part of a new quilting family.  She was so helpful that I would recommend to everyone in the area to check out her store.  I am going to be watching her website for upcoming classes using the Accuquilt.

 

I am looking forward to playing with my new toys.  I have several ideas of projects using the dies that I purchased.  Also, the die that came with the machine has an idea book with 13 quilt blocks you can make using just that die for an awesome sampler quilt.

 

Since my birthday is November 18th, my hubby bought all of this for me as an early present.  This is just the inspiration I needed to get me motivated to quilt during this upcoming snowmobile season.  Thanks honey for a great present!  I can't wait to show off some finished projects from it here!

GCB Mini Monster

Okay, after finishing Ashton earlier this week, I am in am in the mood to make more amigurumi.  So here is my first one from Monster's Toybox.  This is Mini Monster in the Toy Box:

I used the remaining yarn from making Ashton as well since you only need 65 yards of a main color and 15 yards of a contrasting color to make one.  He is only 7" tall as compared to 12" tall for the full sized Monster in the Toy Box.

 

This little guy was quick and so much fun to make, I made him with only 3 1/2 hours of work.  I am making more of them as we speak.  I am hoping to find good homes for them soon!

Supplies:
Pattern: Mini Monster in the Toy Box by Alyssa Voznak
Yarn: Dancing Dog Dyeworks Waltz Worsted in GCB and Cavemoss Green
Hook: US G (4.0 mm)

Ashton Mystery CAL

I recently participated in a mystery CAL (Crochet A Long) with the Freshstitches group on Ravelry for September.  As I made the parts for the clues, I was unsure of the end result.  I thought it might have been a fox but I was expecting more parts to be made with clue #3 but there were none.

 

Here is Ashton:

 

 

Ashton is a puppy pillow.  I love how he came out!  Here's his back side too:

 

I think he has a cute little butt with a stubby tail.  Don't you just want to hug him!

 

Supplies:

Pattern: Ashton Mystery CAL by Stacey Trock

Yarn: Dancing Dogs Dyeworks Waltz Worsted in GCB and Cavemoss mini skein

Hook: U.S. Size G (4.0 mm)

Hubby's Third Pair of Socks

As you have previously read, I am on a sock knitting kick lately.  I have been very good about sharing with my hubby.  It was his turn for new socks.  Here they are:

This time I made them on 12" circulars by Chia Goo from the top down.  He liked the way these fit better than the toe up ones I have done for him in the past.  I bought 12" circulars for his socks because I was afraid that all those extra stitches (cast on of 72 versus 56) would be super cramped on the 9" circulars especially when I got to the gusset.

 

My next socks are for me!  Hmm, which pattern and yarn should I use?  You'll have to wait and see!

 

Supplies:

Pattern: "Top-Down Socks: One Or Two At A Time On Magic Loop" Video E-Book by Liat Gat

Yarn: S.R. Kertzer On Your Toes 4 Ply with Aloe Vera #3815 - Camoulflage Print

Needles: Chia Goo 12"Circulars in Size 1

More on 9 Inch Circulars - Videos

So, did you see my post about knitting socks on 9 inch circulars?  Do you want to learn more?  Here is a great series of 8 videos on You Tube from Springer's Yarn Nook to help you through it.

 

Here's the first video:

 

The second video:

 

 

The third video:

 

 

The fourth video:

 

 

The fifth video:

 

 

The sixth video:

 

 

The seventh video:

 

 

The eighth and final video:

 

 

I hope you find this series to be very helpful in your quest to knit socks on 9 inch circulars!



Sunday Swing Socks at Sunset

I've been on a sock knitting kick lately.  I figured if I was going to knit, let's make useful items for myself (or sometimes for hubby too).  This is my first attempt at a top down sock other than the sample socks I made several years ago.  Here they are:

These socks were also make using a new method to me, knitting them on 9" circular needles.  What???  9 inch???  Yes, you read it right.  They are the perfect length for knitting in the round and match the diameter of socks.  I first read about this from Stacey Trock from Freshstitches.  Want to read more about it, here are her blog posts #1 - Why a 9"? and #2 - Video: How to Knit Socks on 9" Circulars.

 

Here's a picture of my cast on:

 

 

Aren't they so cute!  To me, this is more efficient way of knitting socks over magic loop.  You do not have to keep adjusting your needles and turning your yarn bag.  I made these in a little over three weeks.  As you can see, I bought two sets of needles and I work them at the same time so I don't get second sock syndrome.

 

Where do you get these needles?  I got mine from an eBay store called Knit Bin.  They are HiyaHiya Sharps in size 1 (2.25 mm) for $9.25 each plus shipping.

 

 

If this has sparked some interest to you, please give it a try, you won't regret it!  If you do, please leave me a comment telling me about your experience and thoughts.  I love this method!



 

Supplies:

Pattern: Sunday Swing Socks by Kristel Nyberg

Yarn: S.R. Kertzer On Your Toes 4 Ply with Aloe Vera #3824 - Sunset Print

Needles: HiyaHiya Sharp 9" Circular - Size 1 (2.25 mm)

My Hubby's Second Socks

A couple of weeks ago, I finally finished my hubby's second pair of socks that I started in September 2012.  Here they are:

He loves them and wear them all the time!  I'm just not a big fan of the invisible bind off, it looks messy to me.  I am going to make him a third pair soon but I am going to make them top down this time.  I think they just look neater!

 

 

Supplies:

Pattern: Beginner Toe Up Socks for Magic Loop by Liat Gat from Knit Freedom

Yarn: S.R. Kertzer On Your Toes 4 Ply with Aloe Vera #3809

Needles: Knit Picks 47" Fixed Circular - US 1 (2.25 mm)

Look What We Did!

I mentioned in my last blog post that I have a new job, well actually, my position was eliminated after 23 years.  Thankfully, I found my new job in just 4 days!  I did receive a severance package along with my unused vacation time for the rest of the year.

 

Here's what we did with it:

 

We have been wanting to add a porch to the front of our house for several years and now we had the money to do it without adding more debt.

 

Here is a side view of it:

 

It is 8 feet wide by 26 feet long, almost half the length of the house.  The flooring is made of Trex decking and the railing is all vinyl.  It is pretty much a maintenance free addition!  We even added recessed lighting and a ceiling fan.

 

Here are a couple more pictures with everything done around it:

 

Instead of putting lattice around the bottom, we used the most plentiful resource in Wales, ROCKS!  We feel that it gives a more rustic look to the porch.  I also moved my flag pole to the outside of the porch and put my new flag on it. If you can't read it, it say: "A Spoiled Rotten Dog Lives Here". It is quite fitting!

 

As requested by emerci, here's one with Hershey!  Hershey is doing very well and he loves the new porch too!

Easy Pattern for Self Striping Socks

Hey, remember me??!!  I know it has been a while but I am still here.

 

There has been some changes since my last blog post.  I have a great new job that I love so much!  I am now working as the Accounting Manager at Greater Springfield Credit Union.  It is such a relaxed work environment and it is a pleasant and welcomed change.  I have been here since May 19th but I have feel like I have been here forever already (in a good way).  I have been welcomed with open arm by everyone (all 20 employees) and I am looking forward to working here for a long time!

 

Now that life is more relaxed, I have time to get back into my hobbies.  Quilting has been put on hold for me for summer so I have gotten back into my knitting.  I wanted to make something productive, other than dishcloths, so I'm back to knitting socks.

 

Here is my latest project:

 

 

These socks were as part of the July challenge with the Sock Knitters Anonymous (SKA) group over on Ravelry.  These are my socks and I can't wait for them to dry so I can wear them.  I just finished them last night.  It only took me 3 weeks to make these too!

 

I am now working on some new socks for August's challenge with SKA for my hubby!

 

Supplies:

Pattern: Easy Pattern for Self Striping Socks and Beginner Toe Up Socks for Magic Loop

Yarn: Felici by Knit Picks in Afternoon

Needles: Addi Click Lace Size 1 (2.25mm) on 40" cables

Crocheted Infinity Scarf

Here is an infinity scarf that I made this week:

It is 64" long lays nicely wrapped around my neck twice.  I wore it to work and I got 5 orders for more.  I'm off to buy some new colors of yarn to get crocheting!!!

 

 

Supplies:

Pattern: Kendall Square Infinity Scarf by Kristina Olson

Yarn: Impeccible Solds by Loops & Threads (Michael's brand) - Lavendar

Hook: US J

Baby Reo's Hat Collection

A friend of hubby's that he snowmobiles with is expecting their first child in February.  His wife, Barbara, asked me to make the baby fun hats to wear for fun baby pictures.  Reo was born on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2nd, at 9:30 am!

Here they are:

Plain Hats

Bear Hat

Chick Hat

Mickey Hat

Owl Hat

  

Newborn Long Tail Hat

Some are newborn size and others are 0-3 months.  She loved all of them!

My Kindle Covers

Last weekend I wanted to explore making myself some new kindle covers.  I found a pattern from Blissful Sewing's blog.  I loved this pattern!  Here are my results:

 

Floral Kindle Cover - Closed

Floral Kindle Cover - Opened

Aqua & Black Kindle Cover - Closed

Aqua & Black Kindle Cover - Opened

These covers fit my kindle keyboard perfectly!  It also includes measurements for Kindle Fire, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 3G, Kindle Touch and Sony Pocket.  I will be making more of these.  My father actually requested one so I found some Star Trek fabric from Etsy to make it for him for Father's Day.

The Letters - Suzanne Woods Fisher

Summary:

Show more

Show less

Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.

Rose Schrock's life has had so many bad things happen to her lately. Her husband's death, failure of his business, her step-son running away and also having to move in with her mother-in-law and returning to the the Old Order Amish traditions.  Rose is determined to pay back her husband's debt so to make money she turns her basement into an inn.  She learns a lot from her first guest and her guest learns from her about faith, love and forgiveness.  Will she be able to balance her life?  Will she be able to get over the guilt left behind by her late husband?  Will she be able to move on and love again?

I really enjoyed this book from Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I love that the characters fromt he Stoney Ridge series are in this series too!  But it is not necessary to have read that series in order to understand and enjoy this one.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, The Calling, soon!  A special thanks to Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to review this book.

Zippers, Zippers Everywhere!

Lately I've been sewing lots of bags and pouches using zippers.  If you've been to Joann's lately, zippers can cost you about $2 each or more.  Let me share a little secret with you, I get my zippers from Zip It, an Etsy store!  She has the best deal around!  I buy 10" zippers for smaller pouches and 14" zippers for my box bags.  Here are my favorite deals from her store:

• YKK Coil Zippers 10 Inch Mix and Match Your Choice of 25 Zippers for $11.25

• YKK Zippers Your Choice of 25 YKK Brand 14 Inch Zippers Mix and Match for $12.50

Look at the variety of colors!  There shipping is really quick too!  I would highly recommend this store to everyone!

My Favorite Zipper Pouch

I found another great pouch tutorial on Pinterest, I love that website!  It is called My Favorite Zipper Pouch by Jedi Craft Girl.

Here is my first pouch:

I made these using some layer cakes that I have acquired from Missouri Star Quilt Company.  This one is called Lost and Found 2 by Riley Blake.  These pouches also have the covered end for the zipper.  It is a nice size too, about 8-1/2" wide by 6" wide with a box bottom.

I will be making more of these soon too for my Etsy store!

Lil Cutie Pouches & Box Bag

I've been sewing again this past weekend!

 

Here are some smaller pouches, called Lil Cutie Pouches, which are perfect for keeping my hand sewing needles, scissors and smaller items for hand sewing.

 

I acutally made three of these but I kept one for myself to match this box bag:

I finally got this bag right.  I added tabs at both ends of the zipper and made the handle 8" long instead of 11" on the last one.  Much better!!!

 

This is my bag for my English Paper piecing.  Don't you think this fabric is so fitting??!!  I found it over at Uberstitch's Etsy Store.  She has an amazing selection of Riley Blake fabric at very reasonable prices.  I bought half a yard of the hexie fabric and made the box bag, 3 smaller pouches and one larger pouch with plenty of scraps to spare and use.

An Amish Garden by Various Authors

“A Place of Healing” by Vannetta Chapman
Emma discovers a run-away teen in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a woman and her two children. Then her mother-in-law reveals a secret about her garden. Will Emma choose loneliness or learn to accept God’s gifts?

“Flowers for Rachael” Kathleen Fuller
Rachael’s garden is beautiful, but she is lonely. Gideon is in love with Rachael, but when Rachael finds her garden in shambles after a crisis, she rejects his help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own?

“Seeds of Love” Tricia Goyer
When a corporation shows interest in buying Sadie’s heirloom seeds, she panics. They are all she has left of her Dat and Mem. Eli believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and will the seeds of a new relationship take root?

“Planting a Future” Beth Wiseman
Rosemary is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul has been interested in her for years, but Rosemary has turned him down repeatedly. Saul begins helping with her family’s garden, but someone is sabotaging his efforts—and keeping a secret that could change their lives.

 

In Planting a Future, it is a heartwarming story of true love.  Rosemary is running her household since her mother passed and should be married with her own family by now.  Saul has been her true love since they were 16.  Will they now be able to give love a chance?  Will Rosemary let Saul into her heart?

 

In Seeds of Love, Sadie moved to Montana with her aunt and uncle after her parents died in a buggy accident.  She decided to leave the area to avoid the daily memories of the pain she is feeling.  The only connection she has left from her parents are her Mem's heirloom tomato seeds.  She plants a wonderful garden but is meet with several challenges to help it thrive.  Eli is the recent Amish traveling bachelor who is taken in by her aunt.  Will Eli help Sadie save her family history?  Will love bloom with them?

 

In Flowers for Rachael, Rachael has a beautiful garden and loves flowers.  Gideon is her neighbor that has fallen in love with her.  Can Gideon win Rachael's love?

 

Finally, in a Place for Healing, Emma is grieving the recent loss of her husband.  She is living on a large farm with her eldery mother.  The highlight of their day is working in the large garden.  One day she discovers that a young Amish boy is living in her barn.  Will she take him in?  How will she deal with carrying for him and the future plans for her home?

 

I loved this book! These four authors are amazing! Each story touched my heart in a special way.  A special thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to review this book in advance for free in exchange for an honest review.