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!

The 4-patch: easy, patchwork goodness

The humble 4-patches from my back-to-basics patchwork interlude turned into this handsome quilt top. 

A variation of "Cloe's Quilt" pattern, 51" x 67"

Scattering the stylized floral fabric across the top adds a bit of playfulness and contrast to the grid-like composition. The solid white provides the brightness and sparkle (and a blank canvas for future free-motion quilting). I can't decide if the framed blocks look like window panes or a tiled floor. What does it look like to you?

What a fun top to piece—especially the 4 patch blocks. You can crank out a bunch of these little gems lickety-split. Here's how:

Cut strips WOF (width of fabric or width of a Fat Quarter). My strips were 3.5" wide. Pair up the strips.

Cut and pair up strips.

Sew each strip-pair together along the long edge. Use a 1/4" seam.

Chain piecing the strip sets goes quickly.

Subcut the strips into 2-patches and sew two pair together to make 4-patches. The chain piecing saves time and thread. I like the random scrappiness of these 4-patches. So, don't stress over selecting the pairs… just pick and sew.

Chain-pieced 4-patches.

That's it!

Scrappy 4-patches.

Easy. Scrappy. Patchwork goodness!

Does your Stash runneth over?

While doing some end-of-year re-org, I took a little inventory of my fiber and fabric resources (aka my Stash). As with many of us long-time fabric and fiber enthusiasts, I uncovered several items that I knew I would never find time (even in two lifetimes) to use, or my interest in that particular "fiber trend" had waned. Conclusion: Time to purge!

So, two big bags of fabrics and scraps went to my MIL's church group that makes Prayer Quilts and four bags of yarn and fabric scraps were delivered to the Northside Neighborhood House. I'm happy knowing that someone will be creating something with their hands, getting enjoyment from the process, and feeling a sense of accomplishment from making a project.

There are lots of churches, schools and organizations that can make good use of your unwanted—but still good quality—needlework, craft, sewing and quilting supplies. Ask around and I'm sure you'll find several. If you choose, you can claim your donation as a tax deduction (you've got one more day to do this in 2013). Me? I'm happy knowing someone will be using this stuff and I've gained a little space in my studio. So, share the wealth!

And, don't worry. Stashes magically replenish themselves… amazing how that happens.

Snowball blocks now Rolling Along

The snowball quilt blocks that I showed in this post, made their way into "Rolling Along." This is a quilt top, for now. I'll have to ponder the quilting design.

"Rolling Along" quilt top, 42.5" x 52.5" 

The top went together easily and quickly and it was fun revisiting a classic quilt block.