whackadoodle coconut

Just wanted to share the updated blocking of my first shawl and the progress on my second shawl.

Finished my ripped socks - Yarn: Spud and Chloe Fine Glowworm, Pattern: Faux Cabled Socks

The last update didn't include any photos for a reason.  I didn't want to spoil the surprise for this weeks big reveal. Week 2: Prepare strips, blocks and begin borders Week 1 At this point, I already have pieced the 9 patches, 6 inch blocks, and sewn them into 7 square strips. Step 1: Sew the 7 strips together matching seams and lining up the ends, easing as you go. Note: I had sewn 3 rows together and realized that I didn't match the seams and they were all crooked and wonky. I had to rip them out and redo. Step 2: Once this is completed, you will have the center section sewn and ready for borders.  Iron between rows and iron once again when the center is done. Step 3: Borders 1.  Measure in three places for each border.  Once at the top, the center and the bottom.  Mine was all over the place.  Let's say 46", 46.5" and 47.5".  Take the average of the three measures and cut two inner borders at that length for the top and bottom. In ...

Okay, so it's not a kilt day, but a quilt day.  But that's how it's being referred to around the ol' homestead.  Very excited since today we will finishing the top and (hopefully) getting to the batting and cutting the back for some machine quilting next week. I have a few leftovers from the center piecing, so I am thinking of some ideas to use them up.  Maybe a few project bags or fabric gift bags? Like these - Project Bags at the Purl Bee

I have a few new projects in the queue that I will be making.  First a second Summer Blooms Shawl by Susanna IC for my mom with this yarn and these beads. And then I will be making Cameo by Wendy Bernard for myself out of Noro Retro.  I am so glad that I was able to pick up this yarn.  I haven't seen it anywhere and I don't know if it's discontinued or anything.  It's a tonal grey color with bits of brown and white in there in some of the places.  Really looking forward to it!

My first quilting class hosted at Betty's in Santa Maria.  The teacher Sandy is really nice and I have been really exciting to learn a new skill and make something that I will love.  I love the fabric combination and can't wait until it's finished and I can start using my new quilt. The class is formatted like a learn and do and demo class.  The steps aren't difficult, but if you aren't familiar with sewing it could be a challenge.  So, the sample quilt, is a 5 x 5 square center and then a 2 inch and 6 inch border.  I decided that the size wouldn't cut it to use and share, so mine is upped to 7 x 7 center, with the border the same dimensions.  There is one in the classroom that is this size and I think it will be perfect! Let's take a look at the progress - Step 1:  Cut your 9 patch fabrics into 2 1/2 strips.  The number of strips will depend on the number of squares you choose.  My quilt consists of 25, 9 patch squares.  Each of t...

Yesterday I visited the fabric store to get my supplies for the quilting class I am taking starting next week.  I am VERY excited to learn how to machine quilt and the instructor is too.  That alone always makes a difference.  The sample quilt will be a 9 patch, with 7 x 7 rows, a inner border, outer border and edging. I purchased my fabric and with the extension of the sample quilt at an extra foot on either side, everything was the same cost as it would be if I purchased the kit.  There was a sale, so that might have something to do with it. I wanted to use either a hula girl print or a koi fish print, but they were too big for the 6 inch squares, so instead going with a similar theme I chose these prints - I'm going with a beach scene and underwater imagery this is the sandy beach this is the water and waves - you know when you look down at a pool and you see those ripples?   kelp or eel grass sunshine or yellow flowers,...