Sunday, August 6, 2017

YOP Week #6

Happy YOP Sunday everyone!  It's raining here (I went out and cut these flowers before it rained) and the Chicago Cubs are playing today which I hope to listen to so it's a great day for cozying up with some crafting!
 This is a very special day for me as it is the first time in 6 years of YOP  that I have 2 finished objects!  I know!  I can't believe it myself but here's the proof!
After seeing Simply Summer Street's post on her charity 'making' for Hooking for the Homeless and their wonderful website, I decided to crochet a scarf and I did and it's done............I used the exact yarn and hook size they recommended (there are crocheting and knitting patterns on their website) but as you know, I tend to knit and crochet tightly so it is narrower than I thought it should be and not as long as I thought it should be.  You cast on 181 stitches with 1 stitch for turning and I used Stylecraft Special DK.   Hopefully a child can use it although it breaks my heart to think a child is homeless in the Winter in New Hampshire.
There are no ends to weave in as you braid the ends together....not sure if that takes any less time but since I am not a fan of fringe I think the braiding looks better.
I have lots of acrylic in my stash which is perfect for this as it can be washed and dried....not that the homeless can afford that but you never know what might be offered at the shelters.  I figure I will make one item a month along with the Mother Bear Project but the bear I have to concentrate on while this was a great t.v. watching project.
The 2nd finished item is the Kitty blanket.....because I ran out of yarn it will be a little blanket for the back of my chair.  My furniture is old so anything to improve it will look nice!
 I used Becki's edging instructions that she did but instead of the 'front post' (?) stitch on the last row I did a scallop edging.  Excuse the photos....with the rain today it is quite dark and artificial light doesn't seem to help much in photos. 
.This week I also started my Very Pink   knitting tutorial for toe-up socks using German Short Rows.  She has wonderful patterns and tutorials and I highly recommend her.  This a pay for pattern with supporting videos on You Tube.  So far so good and I am knitting the foot now......good t.v. watching!
  I did work on my cross stitch a bit this week too............I finished the right hand side of the pumpkin and am now working on finishing up the left side of it.  Don't ask me what those orange stripes are on the fabric....the camera did that?@?#?
 I finished reading this book which I really enjoyed as I am wanting to get into sewing again...the last time I sewed was when I made my children's clothes.  Now, I want to make for the grands!  This is a great book on not only how to organize your sewing but also how to organize your time so you can sew.  She also has a blog called The Fabric Mutt
I am ordering this pattern from Oliver + S pattern company to make pajamas for the grands...........I've never tried them but I wanted 2 piece pajamas not just a bottom and t-shirt.  I want to make them out of flannel for their Christmas Eve boxes.  The pattern cost about $16.00 but it has all their sizes so I will probably be able to use it again and again....if I'm that ambitious! LOL!

This week I'm reading Granny Chic which is a way of decorating but also making things.
 I'm also doing an art challenge for 61 days where you get a 'prompt' and draw what it brings to mind on an index card.  You can paint or decoupage or anything you wish..........here's the LINK
if you're interested...this was day #2 for me and the prompt was Lost and/or Found......
Not sure if I will have a finished item for next week....we shall see but I definitely will be working on gifts!
Happy Trails!












18 comments:

  1. Woohoo.......look at you go with your crafting. The blanket and scarf are great. Your pumpkin is coming along quite nicely too. So great that you found a tutorial for you to learn a toe up sock. The pajama pattern is adorable and I am sure the grands will be thrilled. Have a great week.

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    1. I even surprised myself last week! LOL! Thank you, Marsha!

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  2. You are on a roll! Love all of your projects that you finished and are working on. Maybe you can go up a hook size or two when you crochet. That may fix your gauge issue. I want to get back to sewing too, my back just isn't cooperating for sitting at the machine. Glad you got some rain. We could really use it here. It's very smokey.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Great idea about the hook size, thank you! Have you seen that orthopedic pillow for sitting? Not sure if it works but maybe your doctor would know and could recommend? I hope you get rain too....fire is pretty scary and the smoke surely can't be healthy for you.

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  3. I like braided fringe, too. I also love twisted fringe, but I don't know how to make that easily. Someone is going to enjoy that scarf (and the other things you make for giving away), Sandra. Sixteen sizes in one pattern! That's amazing. I made my boys flannel pjs when they were little; I had forgotten all about that until you mentioned it. I look forward to seeing your sewing - perhaps you will inspire me to dust off my machine. :) Going to go check out that art challenge. Sounds fun!

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    1. I've never heard of twisted fringe but next time I may just know and make a short fringe in order to get more scarves done. There are also other porjects...hats, mittens etc. I haven't checked but I think it may be digital which means printing and taping but I guess that's okay but for that price you'd think you would get a real pattern but then you probably wouldn't get 16 sizes plus 16 sizes for one pattern could be very confusing! Remember the old ones? Yes, dust off your machine and sew! I hope you enjoy whatever you do this week!

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  4. My goodness, you have been busy this week. The scarf you made for the homeless looks nice and will surely keep someone warm and cosy. I also like your kitties blanket - its a really cute pattern isn't it?

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    1. I loved the scarf you crocheted and I can't get it off my mind...or the yarn either! LOL!

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  5. Wow, you did so much in one week, and the scarf looks great! I did a similar one once, a knitted one, changed colours every row and just tied the yarn ends into tight knots, then trimmed them, and voila, fringes. They never came off, inspite of all the washing that scarf went through. I guess your braids will hold up even better.

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    1. Thanks for the tip, Ella! I may try that next time as the braids take a long time. I would rather make more scarves for them than spend the time braiding. I will use your method next time!

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  6. I love the idea of having a prompt to encourage creativity. I have a new book that I need to do a review on. (Art Before Breakfast) I love that you are sharing your talents with others too. You are a special person...and I'm proud that you are my friend. Hugs!

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    1. Back at you, girlfriend! Thank you so much but you are a very special person too and all my blog friends...have a great week and I can't wait to see the book review. Hugs ~ Sam

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  7. Yay, well done! Your scarf as gorgeous and I'm sure it will be much appreciated. And your kitty blanket is fabulous, I love it. I'm sure you will enjoy making the pyjamas and the pumpkin is coming along nicely.

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    1. Thanks, Lucy! I hope i haven't forgotten all my sewing skills! LOL!

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  8. Hi Sam!! :) The flowers are so pretty! I love having fresh flowers in the house, but I have to hide them from the cats, they love to nibble on them. Your scarf looks great! Congrats on finishing it! Another kitty blanket, you're on fire, what was that about needing motivation? I think you've got it lol! ;)

    I really need an art challenge, I just can't force myself to start my watercolour painting again. It's so weird because I LOVE to paint and I have so many ideas. Last spring (2016), I challenged myself to a painting a day during April and I managed 22 of them. Mind you, I didn't have cheese on the brain back then ha ha!

    Funny, I was JUST thinking about buying some patterns for pj's for me. I used to sew all of my clothes and Alex got me a nice Singer in 2014 for Christmas. I've only used it for mending and stuff...but I'd love to make my own clothes again. Thanks for that inspiration!

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    1. I have a pattern for men's and women's pj's...the old fashioned kind...I will check and get the pattern number to you that way you would have a pattern for both you and Alex in one....if you wanted. I'm trying to organize my crafts, yarn and sewing but whenever I organize...I can't find things so give me some time! LOL!

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  9. PS: I just checked out the link to the 61 day art challenge, I LOVE it. I may use it as a weekly challenge for my painting, I certainly need a little push and some ideas! Thanks for posting that! :)

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    1. You are very welcome! She has all kinds of art challenges going on all the time from the looks of it. Like I said, the 61 day challenge is over but I am using the prompts anyway.

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