Weekends are for...

... Finishing WIP's! My goal this weekend was to finish up a bunch of WIP's and I'm happy to say I succeeded. Here's what I was able to complete.

Last Monday, my daughter and I went to a workshop on Sashiko embroidery at our local library. I was hoping to learn a little more of the history of it. Instead, we were given materials and a quick tutorial on how to do it (and how not to do it) and given the rest of the time to stitch. Neither of us finished that night, but I did finish mine this weekend. 

And here is my daughter's. Now we're trying to decide what to do with them. I admit I added a bunch of Sashiko patterns to my embroidery board on pinterest. A little addictive? Yes.

Sunday morning I finished crocheting button flowers for my mom. I think I've made over a hundred for her. These are the last 14 and I'll be giving them to her later this week.

And I used a lot of embroidery floss to make them. I kept the wrappers in case I wanted to get more of the same colours. Each one did 3 buttons.

And I finished my first Rin block. I had half of the outside circle left to sew on. Then I basted the centre circle and stitched down both sides. Yes, my fingers were very busy stitching this weekend.

And this lovely? That is my finished Salita shrug, blocked and sleeve seams sewn. Hope to take it out for a proper photo shoot this week to share here on Friday. 

Trying to end June on a high note by finishing up more WIP's. We'll see what more I can complete this week. Did you have a crafty weekend? 

WIP Wednesday

Wow, I really fell off the blogging train at the end of last year, didn't I? Well, I'm not making any promises to be a better blogger this year. In fact, I'll probably be blogging less. I hope to continue with WIP Wednesday's as I like looking back at my own progress and I'll do the occasional Friday Finish post when I have something to share but that's it. I have a couple other posts planned for this month too, to wrap things up, but then I'll be posting only once or twice a week by February. This year will be a year of change for our family. My husband's contract at his current job ends this summer, which means he's on the hunt for a new one (anyone looking for an Evolutionary Biologist?), which will lead to us moving somewhere else this summer. 

And I'm really committing to my career as a writer this year. I continued my research over the holidays about creating a website and think I have it decided. Now I need to buy a domain and a website hosting plan. And I plan on doing it this week, which means my computer time will become making a website time for the next couple months while I figure it out. I'm in no rush to get a site up and running so I'll be taking my time making sure the website really reflects me and what I want to share. I'm thinking I might add a writing blog to my life as well (because 2 blogs aren't enough for me? - I also have a family only blog besides this crafty one). 

Even my What I've Been Reading posts kind of disappeared at the end of 2016. Mainly because I hardly read anything the past few months. I think I have 3 books I haven't shared here but I've already finished my first book of 2017 so perhaps I need to do a post soon. However, I spent hours yesterday moving my What I've Read archives into Goodreads. I really enjoy stats and I like comparing the number of books and pages I've read over the past 5 years. You can find me here on Goodreads and here's my stats page (which I adore). Are you on Goodreads? Even though I joined a couple years ago, I haven't really used it, so advice welcome. And I joined the 2017 challenge - I'd like to read 30 books this year, which is low for me, but I think doable since I know we're moving.

And now for what you're really here for, crafty WIP's. I have lots to share today. And several finishes that I still need to share from the holidays. I forgot to take pictures of some - mom, I need a picture of the socks I made you! Anyway, here's what I'm working on.

If I was following the pattern exactly, this shawl would be finished. However, looking at other people's projects on ravelry, I came across one that continued the edging up the side that should be bound off. I looked at her notes and asked for her to expand on how she did it but this morning I decided to find my own way. Can you see the slight curve beginning at the point? I've only done two pattern repeats so far that decreases one stitch every two rows. This might take a while but I've got plenty of yarn. Hope I love it when I'm done.

And I picked up a lot of this colorful yarn during the after Christmas sale at Michael's to crochet an afghan. I've been itching to make one. And as of right now, this is suppose to be a gift for next Christmas. I have over 2,000 yards. That should be enough, right? Pattern is from this book and can be found here.

On the ride home I finally cast on Hogmanay. I've been waiting to start this shawl for months. I got this yarn as part of the giftables club from The Loopy Ewe, fall of 2015, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it was meant to be a Hogmanay shawl. Maybe because the yarn is similar to the one on the ravelry page? I don't know. I haven't done much yet but I'm looking forward to working on it more this month.

My mother asked me to help her with a crazy project. She has a store-bought comforter whose batting is starting to bunch. She wants to tie the quilt with buttons to help the batting stay in place, but she wants some of the buttons to become crocheted flowers like this Pin she saw on Pinterest. However, she doesn't crochet. But I do. She bought 2 packages of yellow buttons and some grey buttons and we picked up some floss and I gave her some floss from my stash and I crocheted a bunch of flowers with that really tiny hook while I was home for Christmas. I made her 34 (sorry no pictures, maybe you can take a picture of them, too, mom?). Then she placed them on the comforter and I realized she needs about 80 more. Yikes. So a package of buttons and the floss and the hook came home with me and now I have another WIP. I need to find some more grey buttons (I found 8 in my stash when I got home, mom!) and buy more floss but this should be a fun little project to work on over the next couple months.

Oh, and these are the buttons I took from my mother's button stash as payment. And yeah, I'll give you that yellow one back, mom.

I also started the December embroidery pattern by Sarah K. Benning once all the gift making was done. Still have lots to stitch but I'm really enjoying it.

And my awesome sister-in-law gifted me this project bag for Christmas. The teeny, tiny needles blew my mind. I love it, Michelle. And it's so big, I can fit 4 different projects in it. Great for car trips since the zipper at the top stops things from falling out and going everywhere.

What have you been working on? 

Finished Pairs of Knitted Socks #1 and 2 of 2016

  Long time no blog. But for good reason. A week ago Wednesday, I hurt my back and spent the next 6 days on the couch in pain. Last Friday, I was at urgent care having x-rays done and some strong pain meds prescribed, which was the best thing my husband has ever forced me to do. I guess helping your wife pull up her pants while she cries in pain isn't very sexy. Anyway, I'm doing better now. Haven't had to take any pain meds for a couple days but am still struggling with some things - leaning over to take food in and out of the oven still hurts, but I'm getting there. I started a new board on pinterest called, For My Achin' Back, where I'll be pinning exercises to help my back get stronger, hoping I don't ever repeat this injury. 

     I have been finishing things. I finished the socks for my SIL the day before I hurt my back. And I was able to finish the Creeper afghan for my son's birthday last Saturday. I also finished the cat scarf for my daughter and this morning I finished a second pair of socks. Guess I have been busy.

Here are the socks for my SIL. I didn't get them done in time for Christmas. My plans are to mail them next week if weather and back cooperate. 

These are super comfy. Hope she enjoys them. Yarn is Cascade Heritage Sock.

And here are the socks I finished for myself this morning. I made the first sock last year and then got distracted with gift knitting. Cast the second sock on Saturday and wove in a lot of ends today. 

Lots of stripes! These are surprisingly comfortable, even with all those woven in ends. 

I still need to do a proper photo shoot for the Creeper afghan but here's the birthday boy using it on his birthday while playing video games.

I still have several WIP's I need to finish but the yarn above and this pattern are really tempting me.

Oh, and I finally joined Instagram. You can find me, @rachel.s.brown

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

I didn't even know about this until the article about the answer. Her birthday seems obvious... now.

Want to make something for Mother's Day? Here's a list of tutorials that might help.

I just picked this book up from the library yesterday after reading this review. I also borrowed Stephen King's 11/22/63. Two Kennedy themed novels? Kind of excited to read them.

I have a lot of empty spools. This pinterest board has some great spool crafts. Haven't decided what I'm going to do with all my spools yet.

And here are some of the things I pinned this week on pinterest.

I love this blanket by Tin Can Knits.

I've been looking for a good felted knitted slipper pattern and found this one and this one.


And like every girl who loved reading "Anne of Green Gables" and wanted to marry Gilbert, I was very sad to hear that Jonathan Crombie passed away. I had always hoped that they would redo the third movie - which doesn't follow the books at all, their sons fought in WWI not Gilbert - but now I guess we can never revisit Anne and Gilbert. I think I'll be reserving the movies from the library and rewatching them very soon. I can remember one summer when I was a kid, my sister was frustrated with me that I was watching "Anne of Green Gables" yet again and commented that I could probably watch it with the sound off and my back to the tv and would still say all the lines at the right time. And she was probably right.

Around the Web With a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found no the internet this week. Enjoy.

I think I might need a pair of these pajama bottoms.

I probably eat enough popcorn to justify buying this.

An interesting look at the drought in California, water restrictions and crops. Turns out almonds aren't so bad.

I remember doing a project on Brontosaurus' in Grade 3 so this made me happy.

Another knitting book I might have to get.

And here are some of things I pinned this week on pinterest.

Fell in love with this scarf

And cowl designed by the same person.

Need to find some rocks to do this.

Love how off-centred this quilt is.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the  interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

I just requested this book from the library.

An article on what's wrong with parenting today. And one way to fix it.

April is poetry month and the CBC has a bunch of different articles to read. There's also a contest.

The Yarn Harlot met an Astronaut! And made him hold some knitting.

As a mom, I like this idea. As a wife of man who is employed by universities, I worry.

Different ways to make yarn? Sure. Learning to spin is on my to-do list once Floyd is older and stops getting into all my stuff.

I think Floyd would enjoy this.

I guess I come from a creative family. My sister quilts and my brother is a painter. I think we should thank our parents for encouraging us and letting all three of us be creative as kids. Thanks mom and dad.

And here are some of the things I've pinned on pinterest this week.

A crocheted basket.

Some beautifully knitted fingerless mitts.

And I might need some yarn to make these socks in time for Halloween.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

A girl can dream about a place like this, right?

Did you see Anna's giant Gnome?

Margaret Atwood told some Canadian jokes.

Interesting results of a reading habits survey.

A great post with advice about knitting for babies.

And here a couple things I pinned this week:

I think I may have to make us a set of Yard Yahtzee. Maybe my parents need one, too.

A crocheted shawl perfect for Spring.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

I think this shirt is going on my wish list.

This is for you, mom. Maybe you should move to Oregon.

I think this knitting stitch would make a great cowl. 

Caught on the Kiss-cam.

Makes me want to knit a Pi shawl.

And things I've pinned this week:

Tutorial on binding curves.

I think I have some nieces, nephews and kids who need this hat.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the fun and interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

Ever want to run a B & B in Maine? Write an amazing essay and you could win one.

Another great person inspiring me to make more for charity.

I totally want to do this, but I don't have the space to hold all the WIP's.

The best news of the week so I'm posting two articles about it. Here's the second one. Pity it will be out just after my birthday. Perhaps someone will pre-order it for me as a gift?

I thought I'd start putting in links to some of the items I've pinned on pinterest this week.

Here are some neat pincushions.

I like the use of solids in this table runner.

Looks like a good tutorial on how to put fabric lining in your knits.

A great block to use up scraps.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here is my usual picture for Sundays but this week I have a treat for my mom...

... I used a teacup this week. My mom gifted the teacup to me when she visited last month. Her Aunt Margaret is downsizing to a retirement community and offered my mom and aunt their choice of teacups. My mom picked the only one with birds on it for me. This week I made a pot of tea and used it. I must have refilled it 4 times - and I even shared the pot of tea with my daughter and friend. It doesn't take long to empty but I love it. I hope to use it more often. Thanks mom.

Onto what I found interesting on the internet this week. 

One of the things I love about November is Sew, Mama, Sew's Handmade Holidays. Each day they post different tutorials for making gifts for the holidays. Each day has a theme such as baby, pet, boy, etc... I look forward to it every year. This year there's even a colouring contest.

I own the book, now I need to decide whether I'm going to participate in the KAL.

I did join the Mystery shawl KAL hosted by Jen of Knitting Like Crazy. I love Jen's designs and am looking forward to her new book coming out in January.

Because I don't have enough hobbies, I've been looking into making books. There's a kit available at a local store that also has workshops. And I've created a Pinterest board as well.

It seems that scientists are making some progress in understanding autism.

How New York has changed since Hurricane Sandy.

Happier news thanks to Marvel.

I'd love to live a simpler life but I don't know if I'd get anything done.

And in honor of the warm cup of tea I'm currently drinking.

And in case you're wondering, yes, I started NaNoWriMo yesterday and met my target word count for the day. It feels great to write. I forgot how it feels like my calling.

Happy Halloween - A Spider Canvas

I've been trying to get more into Halloween the past few years as this is my husband's favourite holiday. I've made Halloween themed quilts but the house needed more than that. I've been looking for something else to add when I came across this. Not sure if I found it on Pinterest or somewhere else, but I've pinned the idea twice and thought about it often so I decided to go for it. Sorry for the bad lighting in the process photos. Pictures were taken in the kitchen while I made supper.

I used a large canvas that had been used in a few failed projects. The background had already been painted blue and there were holes from a yarned twig project that just didn't sit right after being attached and was then taken off. I made some grey paint and quickly went over the blue but made sure some blue still peeked through. Looking at this template, I freehanded the spiderweb slightly off centre. If I were to do this again I would use a thinner brush and take more time making my lines. I had a toddler pulling at my legs so I had to be quick. I think adding just a little bit of glitter to the paint would also add to the spiderweb. 

This is the same spider from the website that inspired the project. You can find it and others, here. I printed it to fill the page but I still thought it was too small for the spiderweb.

The printer happens to be in the kitchen so I quickly enlarged it to 150% and had the size I liked.

I went over the spider pattern making holes with a metal needle. The tool used in the original tutorial would have been nice to have. This was the hardest part and my hand was cramping by the end.

Here are all the holes punched. I kept the spider to refer to as I stitched. I used worsted weight acrylic yarn that was in my stash. I cut long pieces of yarn, and tied the ends together after threading the needle so that the yarn was doubled. I tried with just a single and it wasn't enough. When I finished with each strand, I cut the yarn to get it off the needle, tied some knots, trimmed the ends and taped them down.

It took me a few hours that evening but the next morning there was something creepy in our living room.

His new home on the wall facing the side door. I used red for his eyes to make him look evil. I also outlined him (with yarn held double) to help define him.

I thought of adding red paint for blood dripping from his fangs but didn't. 

The messy back. I taped down my ends since I didn't weave them in. I don't think the knots will come through the canvas but I wanted to make sure they were secure.

This was a fun, quick project and if you don't have a toddler begging for attention you could finish it quicker than me. It took me most of the day. I'm already thinking of doing some wintry ones - perhaps a snowflake or snowman?

Some Finished Sewing Projects

I've been busy the last couple days doing some much needed sewing projects.

My ironing board was in desperate need of a new cover. When I went to go buy one both my daughter and husband commented, "Can't you just make yourself a new one?" Ahh, the curse of having a sewing machine and knowing how to use it.

I've had this old sheet for several years now. I bought it used either for backing of a kids quilt or something similar but I never got around to using it as it was slightly faded right in the middle. I used this tutorial and made myself a new cover. I even had enough elastic so I didn't have to buy a thing.

Much better than the burnt blue I started with.

I used it today to iron 49 more 4 patches.

It worked great.

I also made a cushion for the little guy to sit on in the living room. I used this great tutorial (both tutorials were found after a search on pinterest) and had to use almost all my pins.

Finished late last night. Had to use the flash to get a picture of him the first time he sat on it.

Claiming it as his. He likes to throw himself on it.

Happy guy.

Slightly jealous?

But Floyd pushed him off and reclaimed his seat.

Love the smile.

Big sister had to try too.

I think that happy face is telling his older siblings to keep off.

One last quick project. My SIL made this quilt for Floyd when he was born. I knew as soon as he outgrew it, I'd add a hanging sleeve and put it up. Finished putting the hanging sleeve on last night and hung it up this morning. Love looking at it.

My SIL is a very talented paper-piecer. After she made the middle block I suggested it would look really good in a baby quilt and thus it became the central part. Thanks again, Michelle, for making him this beautiful quilt.