Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Picnic Quilt


I made this one a couple years ago using a design card from Dakota Collectibles. The Mary Englebreit fabric is fun and I think goes well with the theme.
I call it a picnic quilt for obvious reasons, but it's never seen one. It hangs in our family room in summer.
Blessings
Linda

A challenge met




Knitting socks is something I've always wanted to do. First, Mom tried to teach me to knit as a kid, but I couldn't sit still enough to not drip stitches. I took well to crocheting, easier to fix mistakes. A few years ago, I tried knitting scarves and loved it, but socks seemed daunting--4 needles, are you kidding???


Well, I've taken the plunge, and bought a circular needle, knitted this pink pair with those. It's called the magic loop method. They are far from perfect, but they are done and fit!!


So, I had to try the double pointed needles. And I'm in the middle of these for the hubs. He'll wear them around the house when it's chilly, He actually asked for them. The book is what I'm using to learn. Bought it at JoAnnes.
I can see the picture is a little dark. Fall colors, starting early.
I have a quilt to share too, but since I never get the pictures where I want them, I'll post a second entry
Blessings,
Linda



Friday, July 9, 2010

Good Day and a new quilt


Actually,

Everyday is a pretty good day, thank God, but today had some fun aspects I'd like to share.
We go to the beach once a week in the summer, and today was the day. The water was perfect, clear as a bell, right temp, smooth and glass. We were able to get in "water aerobics" by walking about 1/4 mile in the water, not as hot that way either.
We have a surf camp for kids and they are great fun to watch, the energy and enthusiasm make me want to join them.
There was also a little girl about 4 with her Dad-not part of the camp- and he had her on a surf board. That little tyke paddled out a bit, jumped right up and rode it in on the ripply waves. Fearless, she had a blast. What fun, made my heart smile.
This is the Coffee Break quilt I mentioned in a pre
vious post. Easy kit, probably use it for a table topper.
Hey, the socks are turning out OK. I've turned the heel, made the gussett, and i think they will be wearable!! Yippee. When I'm done, I'll post a picture.
Question: Do any of you belong to craft/sewing groups that aren't guilds? Wondering how you keep them going.
Tomorrow, I think we'll go garage sale-ing. I'll let you know if I find anything interesting,
Blessings,
Linda

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Keeping a promise!!




I have been busted. Busy as Can Be reminded me to post pics, and she's right, Thanks. So, here's a few of what's up lately.


First, today I am making black beans and rice, Cuban-style. My SIL, and father of the one and only grandbaby, is half Cuban and makes excellent black beans. There is no recipe that I know of, just his grandma's technique. I've been told it's all about the red wine vinegar and bay leaf. Then you simmer it kind of hard till it's thick and creamy. Here's a picture of it cooking on the stove.

Ok, someone want to tell me why the picture is at the top of the post instead of at the end of my deligtful prose?? I wanted it right here---X.

On to quilting, and hopefully this picture will land with it's description.

If you look back a few posts, you'll see some simple blocks I was making with Repro fabrics. This is the end result. Now to get it quilted.
I see that didn't work either. Suggestions, please?? The picture I mean.
I am also still working on the embroidery piece, almost done, and have started to knit a pair of socks. I've always wanted to do this, and Joanne's had sock yarn for $2. If I mess it up, won't be out much money. I am using the Magic Loop method. It took several tries for me to get the hang of one long circular needle, but now that I've grasped that concept, it's really very easy.
Yesterday, I dragged out a few books to plan a quilt using scraps, I'll let you know what I decide.
Hope everyone is having a relaxing, safe summer....
Blessings,
Linda