Progress made in threes on charity projects

There’s been a lot of progress both on and under my needles lately. Under the needle—or more accurately, under the presser foot—I’ve finished the three cuddle quilts that were sandwiched at the guild workshop a few weeks ago. 

Three completed charity quilts.

The first quilt (above left) uses a fabric panel. Using fabric panels is a great shortcut when you want a quick, but polished result. The panel—a scene of colorful dinosaurs, trees, mountains and a volcano—needed no extra patchwork. The quilting design was a modified concentric circle motif and the quilt came together in no time.

Circle quilting motif on the dinosaur panel quilt.

The second [triangles] quilt is from a pre-cut quilt kit. The patchwork runs from edge to edge and there are no borders for more contemporary style. The triangles showcase the various colors and patterns of the fabrics. The large, free-motion spirals contrast with the geometric design of the patchwork.  

Swirls quilting motif on triangle quilt.

The third quilt was made from discontinued fabric samples and scraps. Being that the prints were mostly florals, the free-motion quilting has flower, leaf, and vine motifs. 

Free-motion quilting flower, leaf, and vine motifs.

Binding by machine

The bindings for these quilts were attached by machine for a clean, durable edge… and a fast finish.

Bindings attached by machine.

At the workshop, the quilt tops were measured and lengths of pre-made binding were cut. The lengths were right on the money! The remaining pieces will find their way into future scrappy bindings. 

Very little binding remained after the quilts were bound.

Quilt stats:

• Dinosaur quilt: 34.5” x 41.5” (finished size); 1.5 hrs free-motion quilting.
• Triangles quilt: 34.5” x 41” (finished size); 1.5 hrs free-motion quilting.
• Floral patchwork quilt: 41.25” x 45.5” (finished size); 2.25 hrs free-motion quilting.
• Binding for all three quilts: 3.75 hrs.

The backs of the cuddle quilts are colorful, too.

Backing fabrics for these cuddle quilts.

Mitten Knitting

On the knitting front, three more pairs of mittens came off the needles. I continue to try new patterns to use up orphan balls of yarn and fill small pockets of time. 

Three more pair of knitted mittens off the needles.

It’s good to see these charity projects move to the finish line. Each one feels like a small, cozy accomplishment.

New mittens in progress. This is the “Elf Fit Mitten” pattern.

Easy knitted mittens for kids are fast scrap yarn projects

Besides working on the last few pages of my 100 Day Stitch Book (today is Day 87), my take-along handwork project has been all about knitting mittens. 

Five pair of knitted mittens.

I’ve just finished knitting these five pairs, and one of the fun parts has been the hunt for patterns. I’ve been happily pouring through Ravelry searches for designs that are easy and quick to knit, but still have something fun and interesting. That sweet spot—simple construction with a little something extra—is exactly what I look for.

Make Nine 2026 tracker with a “Yarn” prompt.

A Mittens-per-Month goal

When I set my prompts for Make Nine 2026, “Yarn” was again one of the project prompts. My parish has a mittens charity project during the Christmas season, so I considered to pair my Make Nine “Yarn” prompt with the mittens project and set a goal to make one pair a month.

After finishing these mittens, I must admit that this “mitt’n knittin’ thing” had been quite addictive! Pulling out the orphan balls of yarn—from previous projects, stash, and swaps—and applying different color combinations and stitch patterns has been fun. I suspect the fun will continue, so I’ll likely (hopefully) have more than 12 pair by year’s end.

Orphan yarn balls and leftover scraps are perfect for knitting smaller size mittens and knitting colorwork.

Experimenting with techniques 

It’s been fun rediscovering yarn I’d forgotten about and experimenting with mitten patterns that look intriguing—in techniques, construction, color combinations, and stitch patterns. I’ve tried patterns with:

• color blocking 
• round and pointed mitten tops 
• stripes in garter stitch 
• stripes in ribbing  
• corrugated ribbing 
• knitting in the round
• two-needle flat knitting 

Using small balls of left-over yarn for color work on a knit-flat pair of mittens.

It’s been enlightening to compare the pattern designers’ mitten construction approaches, especially when it comes to working the thumb. Some of the flat-knit patterns have surprisingly clever ways of forming and joining the thumb. It’s almost like solving a little origami puzzle as you work through the pattern.

Techniques I want to try are:

• after-thought thumb 
• stranded colorwork
• a no-gap mitten pattern 
• magic loop
• two-at-a-time

Maybe I’ll pair a colorwork pattern with the after-thought thumb technique. This seems like a great combination, especially for colorwork, since it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the pattern.

Have knitting, will travel

Mittens have lately become a favorite take-along project. They’re small, portable, and just the right balance of engaging and relaxing—easy to pick up for a few rows whenever I have a spare moment. Those little bits of time add up quickly, and before long, another pair is finished—especially using DK or worsted weight yarn and the smaller child sizes. 

Two colorwork mitten sets. Flat-knitting (left) and in-the-round knitting (right).

For now, I’m happily staying in “smitten with mittens” mode. I like exploring the different mitten styles, and with so many patterns saved and plenty of yarn left-overs waiting to be used, I see mitten-making continuing through the year.

Simple techniques yield big impact with texture and color

Don’t ya love projects that make a statement but are easy to make? These small projects use basic techniques, require minimal tools and supplies, and still make an impact because of their colors and textures.

Woven coaster and hand knit cotton dishcloths are easy projects.

Loopy Loom woven coasters

Tools and Materials: Loopy Loom, worn out socks, scissors, crochet hook

On occasion, I love to pull out my red Loopy Loom and weave a coaster or a pot holder from worn out or orphan socks. My metal Loopy Loom came with a long metal hook for weaving, but I use my fingers for the tabby (plain weave: over 1, under 1) weaving technique. Stripes and other patterns on socks add color and interest to the woven texture. 

Use the Zoom Loom and a pair of worn out socks.

I use a crochet hook to finish the looped edges after the weaving is complete. We use these small weavings for coasters (hot and cold beverages), hot pads/trivets, and pot holders. This is a wonderful re-purposing project and great way to upcycle unrepairable socks.

Hand knit dish cloths

Tools and Materials: cotton yarn (variegated, solid, or both), knitting needles, crochet hook, yarn needle for weaving in the yarn tails.

Hand knit cotton dishcloths.

Using a linen stitch pattern, the slip stitch knitting technique creates a firm fabric and an interesting texture on these hand knit dish cloths. With a variegated yarn, there is an additional lovely color interchange created by the slipped stitches from the row below. This is the perfect stash-buster yarn project! Use up those extra little balls of yarn for a fun and useful project. 

A crocheted edge in single crochet or a slip stitch unifies the piece and finishes the edges. A yarn needle is helpful to weave in the yarn tails. 

Hand embroidery on printed fabric

Tools and Materials: embroidery floss, embroidery needle, embroidery hoop (optional), scissors, a fabric print

Basic embroidery stitches: back stitch, stem stitch, French knots, pistil stitch (long French knot), running stitch, straight stitch, blanket stitch.

Hand embroidery on a printed fabric panel.

Using fabric prints and fabric panels is NOT cheating. Capitalize on and enhance the printed motifs on fabrics. 

This is a cotton fabric panel from an upcoming holiday collection from FIGO Fabrics. Using 2 or 3 strands of embroidery floss, I’m embroidering around motifs and on the outlines. Any basic embroidery stitches will create beautiful textures. An embroidery stitch dictionary also has loads of inspiration for experimenting with new stitches. 

Hand embroidery on a printed fabric panel.

Choose floss in holiday colors, neutrals, brights, or colors from nature. Embroidery floss is inexpensive and readily available in a multitude of glorious colors. Or experiment with other beautiful threads such as perle cotton (various weights), cotton sashiko thread, and novelty yarns and threads. Got a thread stash? This is the perfect small canvas to use savored lengths and leftovers from other projects.

Hand embroidery on printed fabric panel.

These embroidered pieces can be backed and stuffed with a polyfill. A ribbon or yarn loop can be added to create holiday ornaments or gift decorations. Or they can be displayed as home decor in a festive bowl or basket.

Make small projects with big impact and happy stitching!

Did you "Shop Small" this weekend?

I hope so! I supported small indie pattern designers through the 2020 Gift Along and took advantage of the giftalong2020 coupon code to purchase a handful of knit and crochet patterns. 

Shop Small 2020. Small Business support.

Scrolling through the offerings of 250 participating pattern designers on Ravelry, I found an inspiring selection of projects—small to large, easy to a bit more challenging, decorative and functional, and a few with new-to-me techniques or interesting construction concepts.

My pattern picks:

• Brioche Starter Cowl
• Modern Zebra striped shawl
• The Beeswax Hat: knit in-the-round with mini-cables
• colorwork: Ice Time fingerless mitts and the Fir Sprucing Up dishcloth
• bulky yarn Rasta Bucket
• mandala crochet: Sakura Cabled Mandala and Spanish Mandala Pillow
• small, scrap buster projects: Here we Gnome Again and Scintillation stars from Hunter Hammersen of Pantsville Press.
• Deep Feelings and Deschutes River top-down raglan cardigans
• Tucked Away sweater with a saddle shoulder yoke

I'll be searching the yarn stash for appropriate pairings and a few of these may be slated for next year's Make Nine Challenge.

Gift Along 2020 discount and give-aways

The 25% off pattern coupon—giftalong2020—is good through Monday, November 30. Take advantage and support these small business, independent pattern designers.

And if you are so motivated, there are other ways to participate in the Gift Along that encourage completing the projects by year-end (for gift-giving) and winning prizes. 

It's a win-win.

Lolita vest: third finish in the Make Nine Challenge

The third finish in my Make Nine Challenge is Lolita, a side-to-side knit vest with lace patterning. The pattern is by Jamie Thomas for Imagine Knits. This finish also moves one long-time project off the knitting UFO list. A good feeling!

Lolita vest. Completed March 2019.

I purchased the Lolita vest pattern at the Stitches South expo in 2012 or 2013. The piece finally came off the needles in 2019 and was blocked the weekend of St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Days, this past March.

After a 6-7 year time span, Lolita came off the needles in March 2019.

Once off the needles, I could definitely tell my tension was different (a bit more relaxed) in 2019 from when I started the vest 6 - 7 years ago. Blocking helped even out the knitting somewhat.

Blocking the Lolita vest.

I need more practice with seaming lace patterns. (The shoulder joins were evidence of this!) But I enjoyed getting back into knitting. The Louisa Harding 50% Merino wool/50% silk yarn was lovely—during the process and in the end result. And I am happy to have completed another piece to add to a handmade, MeMade wardrobe. 

Lolita vest. Back view.

I have about 160 yards of this yarn remaining. Maybe fingerless mitts are in my knitting future???

Make Nine sketchbook and remaining yarn from Lolita knit vest.

Knitting begets knitting
Dusting off the knitting needles for this project has also rekindled my fondness for knitting—and the mindfulness of the process. So I rummaged my yarn stash and have started a new vest—Juzu, by rie vive. You can see the ball and needles in my hands in the top photo. I've made good progress in a month's time.

Juzu knit vest in progress.

Knitting begets more knitting! 

Make Nine Challenge 2019: progress check

About a month ago, I pledged the Make Nine Challenge. This is the progress on two of my projects—a knitted vest and a jacket.

Lolita Vest. Make Nine Challenge 2019.

Lolita Knitted Vest
After a setback on the Lolita Vest (I was photographing it and found a mistake; decided to frog 3-4 inches), I've gotten past the second armhole, and the neck and shoulder shaping. Knitting the left front remains.

Yarn-dyed woven Jacket
Another Make Nine project is a jacket made with yarn-dyed wovens from Diamond Textiles. I'm incorporating leftover bits (the 4-patch diamonds) into this piece to fulfill the recycle and repurpose goal I've set.

Yarn-dyed woven Jacket back. Make Nine Challenge 2019.

These are the two jacket fronts. For the pockets, I'm thinking side seam pockets is a better option over patch pockets.

Yarn-dyed woven Jacket front. Make Nine Challenge 2019.

I've seen a few beautiful finishes from others participating in the Make Nine Challenge and was feeling behind. But stepping back and evaluating these two projects, I feel good about my progress. These pieces were both UFOs [unfinished objects] and they've been revitalized and are now back on track.

Closing 2013 with the Christmas vest

To balance out my blog content of late—which has featured a lot of fabric, needle and thread—I decided to close the 2013 year with a "yarny" post. Life, after all, is about balance, now isn't it?

The makings for my Christmas vest.

So, here is how the planets aligned for my new Christmas vest: 
I got encouraged to pick up yarn and knitting needles after seeing the Show and Tell from my former knitting students at our holiday get-together. About that same time, I came across this free pattern for the Lone Star Fitted Vest by Mary Lynn Patrick. Then, coincidentally, my stash re-org endeavor unearthed a bag of lovely red Granite yarn by Nashua. Knitting kismet! 

Granite is a thick/thin single [70% wool, 30% acrylic] with tonal variations in the coloring. I was drawn to the red color at the initial purchase, and once again, it inspired me for this project. I thought the red was quite appropriate for the holidays, as well.

The project—a vest—was sleeveless [read: less to knit], the stitch pattern was a basic k1, p1 rib, and the 17 sts/4 in. gauge would make it a relatively quick knit. Could I possibly have something new to wear for Christmas? Nothing like a deadline to keep one motivated and on task.

Knitting both front and back of the vest at the same time.

I decided to try the technique of knitting front and back [or two sleeves, or two socks] simultaneously so the gauge would be consistent and the row count easy to track. Note: this is an excellent concept and it worked very well!

Although I didn't quite finish the Lone Star Vest in time for Christmas, it was ready for a try-on on December 26. Today, the 3-needle bind-off and weaving in the ends were completed—just in time to welcome in the new year. Here is the finished piece—my new Christmas vest.

"Lone Star Fitted Vest,"
my 2013 Christmas vest.

So, as we close the book on 2013 and crack open a new calendar for 2014, I wish you encouragement and support from those around you, abundant inspiration for your passions, motivation to grow in experience and wisdom, and a balance in life so you may be open to serendipity and enjoy the good things that come your way. Remember to believe in yourself, and believe in those worth believing in.

Happy New Year!

Just about an inch to go...

Completed vest from my
Cool Cotton Vest workshop.

Ever wonder what stopped you from finishing a project? I don't remember what distracted me from finishing this knitted vest...

... but a lunch out with a few knitters who have been in my knitting classes (one of whom was wearing her finished vest) prompted me to revisit this project.

So, last Tuesday I pulled out the vest from its project tote bag (you can't have too many tote bags, I always say), and there was about an inch left to knit on the right front, and a 3-needle bind-off at the shoulders (the left front was finished)! This vest was knit in the round, so there are no side seams. We're talking all of 16 stitches in the row... that decreased down to 14... and then the bind off. Geesh... that was all!

A little over an hour later the vest was finished—including attaching the button, sewing the pocket linings and weaving in the ends.

The yarn we used for the vest is Cotton Supreme by Universal Yarn (so soft!) and the pattern is the Vaill Island Vest by Gwynn Erickson for Halcyon Yarn. The slip stitch garter pattern is easy and rhythmical and the vertical demarcation from the slip stitch is slimming on the body.

Vaille Island vest in Cotton Supreme.

This vest has a side vent detail. The lined pockets were a pattern modification so my students could learn another technique in the class.

Side vent of cotton vest.

Thanks to my knitting students, I have a great new knit vest, one less UFO (unfinished object), and a new empty tote bag... which is a good thing as I just returned from Stitches South.

Fiber art demos at the Monteagle Market

My guild, the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild, was invited to participate in the 53rd annual Monteagle Mt. Market of Arts and Crafts last weekend.

Demonstrations on knitting, hairpin lace (left), kumihimo (right) and inkle weaving.

A group of guild members tended our guild tent on Saturday, and my friends Pat and Kathy and I manned it on Sunday.

Veronica (left), Kathy (center) and Pat,
members of the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild.

As part of the guild's community outreach program, members provide demonstrations at different venues on various fiber art techniques to educate the community about fiber art. Collectively, we provided demonstrations at the Monteagle Market on spinning, inkle weaving, kumihimo, hairpin lace and knitting with self-ruffling yarn.

Weaving on an inkle loom.

A closeup of a name woven into an inkle band.

Kumihimo braid made using a circular loom.

I provided the demonstrations on hairpin lace and knitting with self-ruffling yarns.

Hairpin lace demonstrations. 

Fiber art note cards, self-ruffling Spectra yarn and a ruffle scarf
at the Riverbend Fiber Arts tent.

It was fun to hang out with friends, share our fondness for fiber, and work on simple projects for the pure joy of feeling the yarn and fibers between our fingers.

Cool Cotton Vest knitting workshop

Cool Cotton Vest with pockets

The simple cotton vest… classic, easy-going and versatile. It’s the perfect summertime knit.

Several of my knitting students requested this workshop, so here it is! We''ll be knitting a simple vest, a basic ingredient in everyone's wardrobe. The ribbed slip stitch pattern and side vents provide interesting details that make this piece enjoyable to knit and fun to wear. 

This vest has a casual style and can be worn open or the pattern provides an example of a top button closure. Students will learn how to add a lined pocket to their vest as we work with soft cotton yarn.

For this vest, we'll use Cotton Supreme by Universal Yarn. Students will select their colorway and the yarn will be available at the workshop. Cotton Supreme is a smooth and sumptuous worsted weight cotton yarn. A dream to work up, this yarn comes in a wide selection of vivid solids that will show off the texture of the stitch pattern. Machine washable and dryable, Cotton Supreme softens as it washes—making it a great choice for this versatile summer vest.

Getting a Good Fit

When knitting garments, one of the primary factors (in addition to your gauge swatch) is having current measurements so you can get a good fit. We'll have two meetings devoted to taking measurements and working the calculations for fitting.

If you are interested in joining me for this knitting workshop, contact me at veronicaquilts@gmail.com.

Knitting with 1000 strands

This one goes out to all my knitting students. My "No Fuss Color Knitting" and "Color Knitting II" classes are no where near this strenuous. Kudos to the women who challenged themselves to do this project!

Knitting, swatching and snoozing

We had another glimpse of Spring yesterday as the temperature reached the 70s and the sun smiled on all the flora and greenery in the back yard. It was a relaxing afternoon to enjoy the outdoors, and prepare the swatches I need for upcoming classes.

We're going to cover the Kitchener stitch in my Lace Knitting class this evening. My students are working on a lace sampler scarf and will be joining live stitches from both halves of the scarf. The other swatches are in preparation for classes I will be taking at Stitches South in a few weeks.

I also completed a sample for a new class on Knitting in the Round (another request from my knitting students). This is a modified pattern inspired by Louisa Harding's Poppy Beanie. It's an adorable and retro beanie style hat—reminiscent of the 1920s cloche. The beanie and its flower embellishment have several fun techniques for knitters of all levels. I am converting it to be knit in the round for my class. It will be a good intro project for learning how to maneuver double pointed needles (dpns) and a circular needle. Stay tuned for more information on this class...

And, here is the "extra kitty" who was snoozing away the afternoon. He is a neighborhood cat who has more-or-less adopted us.

Try to relax, kitty.

Mystery Knit Along—Clue 3

Here is the progress of the Mystery scarf after Clue #3 was issued. The cables are offset—due to the short rows—and create a cobblestone-like texture. (Don't you just want to run your fingers across this?) Instructions from one last clue will complete this project.

Faith and Trust

On an impulse, I signed up for a Mystery Knit Along (KAL). I'm doing it long distance as the knit shop, What's Needlin' Ewe, is in North Carolina, but I was intrigued and e-mailed the shop to see if I could be included. I received a prompt reply to my inquiry and they were pleased to have me participate.

I've designed quilts for Mystery Quilt programs and have organized and lead them, but I had not heard of a Mystery Knit Along. I decided to make the leap... and it has been a real leap of faith!

The Mystery KAL started in early March and clues arrive via e-mail each Monday morning. Today will be the 4th and final clue and it should wrap up our mystery scarf. (Participant sleuths discovered it was going to be a scarf with the first clue.)

Clue #1

The first clue involved a cast-on of 300 stitches with a beautiful, oh-so-soft worsted weight yarn, Cascade Cash Vero. It is really a joy to knit with. But, oh, those 300 stitches... Clue #1, however, offered tips for managing 300 stitches and directed knitters to a how-to video for the German Twisted Cast-on method. Without a sample or picture, following the instructions requires total left-brain skills and blind trust in the designer. It is a humbling experience and a good exercise in discipline.

Clue #2: 2 balls of yarn down, 2 to go...

I am enjoying the short row technique. It is a technique that I would not set out to do, but once you have that 300 stitch investment, you keep on keepin' on. I find I must pay attention to the pattern created in the work since there is no other visual reference. I've had a couple minor tinking episodes, and with so many stitches per row, even a one-row error takes some time to re-do. But, as I tell my knitting students, "it's only yarn," and if you are enjoying the process, that's what it's all about.

I've been teaching several classes this month—Intermediate and Lace knitting, Beginning Quilting and my Yarn Fabrication wearable art workshop. I think it has been good for me to be "the student" for this program.