I have several projects in the works, and only one little finish. What has my interest now? What I'm spending most of my time on? Yarn-y things.
I know this looks like a lot of yarn, and it is. But it wasn't my intention to purchase so much. Little did I know when I placed my online order through the Etsy shop EbabyShop, that this Alize Bella 100% cotton yarn, which qualified for free shipping, would come from Turkey! I was notified that an additional $24 US customs fee was due. Or, I could purchase more yarn and the custom fee would be paid by the seller. I opted for more yarn so as to ensure I wasn't giving away $24 for nothing.
I'm using the gray yarn (top row) to crochet Summer Cardigan that's found on KnitcroAddict's YouTube channel.
I'm following Wan's video instruction, to make this practical summer cardigan using a fun stitch called the drunken granny stitch. Ha, ha!
I've nearly finished crocheting the back section that measures, for me, 19½" across. This is the first time I'm attempting to use yarn to make a garment for myself. (Oh dear.)
The stitch is pretty though, isn't it? There's no RS or WS. (Right Side or Wrong Side) See how I'm learning the pattern lingo?
Also, being a big fan of Jo Avery designs, I started another of her hand appliquéd and embroidered pieces. This one is called In Full Bloom, and appears is the current issue of Today's Quilter magazine. Again, my digital public library has this publication available for patrons so I was able to check it out, print templates and get started. It looks wrinkled because I rolled it up to take to Big Cypress Quilters' Tuesday open sew where I was able to get several pieces appliquéd.
My only finish of late is this 7" X 9" string-pieced mug rug.
I sewed it on Sunday after spending time on Saturday with the our county's "Basics and Beyond" 4-H Club kids. As I guided two girls, ages 8 and 12, through cutting and piecing their quilt blocks, I encouraged them to keep their scraps. At the end of our sewing time, the older one handed me her half-square triangle off-cuts and said she didn't want them. So, I brought those home along with some of the strips that several of the children had tossed into the trash. Yes, I went dumpster-diving!
I added a couple of my own fabric strings to the front; the backing and binding are my fabrics.
I'll take the mug rug to next month's 4-H Club meeting to show the kids what can be done with their scraps. I'm thinking to give the mug rug to either the club leader, Barb (who isn't thanked as often as she deserves to be) or the 12 year-old girl I worked with. Linda
Such a stunning little mug rug, I love the design so different from just all small squares or unifrom strips - love it!
ReplyDeleteYour “ little” finish is linked to a “big and generous” activity you do to inspire the next generation. Thank you for all you do! Jo Avery will be SFMQG’S speaker on June 20… See you there🌸
ReplyDeleteI would have opted for extra yarn as well and I'm thrilled that that was an option. I love love love the pattern that you selected. I am also a dumpster diver and people know to turf their scarps onto my table. On another recycling note, I fished a bunch of wine bottles out of a very tall recycling bin and took them in to get the deposit back, to the tune of $7.30. That's a fat quarter (or two if they are on sale)! It felt like a win to me.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to show how to play with left over! Happy Joe Avery applique! I love all what she make, colors, design, embrodery... Have a nice week-end!
ReplyDeleteLove the yarn story, and the sweater is looking beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI would have ordered more yarn too! How many times have I done that with an online fabric purchase! I also like the idea of scraps into mug rugs. Our guild is teaching quilting to 9-12 yr olds at a local library this summer, so that will be perfect for them. Always inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteThose custom fees -- aka, Pres. Trump's tariffs -- have really created havoc and pain for small business owners. Glad you were able to give them more patronage to support them! I'm looking forward to seeing what you make as yes, that stitch is fascinating-looking. And you teach 4-H! Wow--you are so giving and your contributions certainly will make an impact! Lovely post, Linda.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful stitch for that cardigan! It will look fabulous on you. Keep stitching!
ReplyDeleteYour crochet project is lovely. I am carefully resisting getting back into crochet, since I'm supposed to be cutting back on "stuff" rather than acquiring more! We'll see how long that lasts...
ReplyDeleteThat was a surprise to learn the yarn is from Turkey! I've ordered twice, only to find a long wait while the item I thought was locally purchased got shipped from China. You chose wisely to purchase more yarn. Oh, 4-H, what a wonderful program! Always has been. (said as a one-time 4-H agent)
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