Kigwit's Thoughtful Spot

GOOSE!

I started working on this quilt for T during my vacation at my sister's. I've had a heck of a time with this quilt. I ruined my blade on her cutting mat and even cut most of the original blocks too large because I didn't notice the difference in markings on her ruler. Then when I got home I couldn't get the 45-degree angles right on the corners and the darn squares were smaller than the expected seven inches.

I kept ripping and re-sewing until I was afraid the fabric would fall apart. I found a great tutorial on how to make the correct angles at the corners so I've been using than method successfully. However, my blocks were still under seven inches.

Guess why?

My needle is out of alignment! And my quarter inch foot is no longer making a quarter inch seam! The needle is actually rubbing up against the side of the foot. I need to finish making all the squares so that they match. Hopefully I won't ruin my machine by doing so. I've got eight squares left to make.

La rentrée

Sort of. Red and Tig go year 'round at the Montessori school and DH and I are year 'round employees at our school so la rentrée is more symbolic for us than anything.

However, in celebration of the day I made this table runner.

I bought it as a kit at Quakertown Quilts (and 20% off!). I like the little handprints and, of course, the chalkboard fabric is perfect for back to school.

I backed it with fabric handed down from my mom and I used batting remnants as well. Thrifty!

I figure I can use it during the summer with the strawberry side up if I want-it would look nice on a blue or red tablecloth.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Iraqi Bundles of Love

Got fabric? Got needles? Got any sewing paraphenalia? Iraqi Bundles of Love is looking for donations for this short term project.

It's a great way to de-stash. Just follow the bundling instructions on IBOL and head to the post office to send your Flat Rate Box to Art's APO address.

My mom just gave me a TON of supplies that she was going to toss (or worse, put in her garage). I'm going to load up some boxes and get them off.

I like this project because it's short term and something I can do easily when I mail off to Sister!

Monday, July 27, 2009

The socks that didn't want to be knit.

I started these socks last summer using the Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey pattern. You couldn't really see the pattern so I ripped it out, and ripped it out again, and ripped it out again. DH suggested this pattern so that's what I went with.

I swear these socks did not want to be knit. I had to redo the heel on the first sock three times. When I got to the heel on my second sock I held it up to my sister and announced that I was starting the heel flap. Then I announced I was turning the heel. Then I announced I was picking up the gussets. I figured that was the only way to keep it in proper order.

I finished these socks the day we drove down to Germany and had lunch by the Mosel River. I finished them right as we got there and was a little panicked because I hadn't brought a backup project-I didn't want to be tempted you see. Fortunately we found a souvenir shop that sold yarn! I bought two balls of Regia and finished the first sock in just a few days. Let's hear it for NBK!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

My first machine quilting

Well, DH got me a darning foot for my birthday and I have been quilting Thing One for him. Here's a sample. It took a LONG while to do but I am proud that I finished it yesterday. I thought I had already made the binding but I hadn't so now I need to carve out some time to do it so I can finish!

Monday, June 22, 2009

A little sewing

I took my first quilt class in May and I just finished my block last Friday. It's a Jacob's ladder block. The points aren't perfect but as I am still learning I can live with it.

I also made this dress for my Gma. It's not really a dress-it's a clothespin bag! But I made it for her to put her shopping bags in. I hope she likes it! The colored fabric are from some fat quarters I bought-Posh. And the cream damask is some leftover scraps from my mom.

Friday, May 01, 2009

sniff, sniff

Well, Red is turning four on Monday. FOUR. I don't know how that could possibly be right but it is. DH and I just loaded up all of our infant things (bumbo seat, baby clothes, toys) to give to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. I couldn't bear to go with him-I've had at least four crying jags already-but I hope these things will bless someone else as they blessed us.

We've been blessed with two beautiful boyos and DH said that he could not imagine life more full or more empty than what we have now. I know he's right but it's hard not to want just one more little one.