Midnight Slippers

I purchased the Midnight Slipper pattern from Stitch Upon A Time because I prefer soft-soled slippers. For this pair, I fussy-cut some scraps of fleece to make my first pair. Here are all my pieces cut out. Since I made this with fleece for the outer and lining I did not use fleece between the two layers. I substituted the bottom with non-slip fabric. I also used a piece of batting between the lining and the non-slip fabric for a little extra padding. 

I was a little concerned about the bulk for the elastic when using two layers of fleece but it came out just fine. 

The assembly is quick and straightforward. If you try this pattern and something doesn't make sense I found this YouTube video that shows the assembly in detail that might help you with assembly.  

When you get to the end you make an inside-out sandwich with the soles. 

That non-slip fabric is totally necessary for me. I have no carpet in my home so not slipping on the laminate flooring is important. 

I'm really pleased with how these turned out. I think this pattern is great for making small gifts to friends. I don't know if everyone needs slippers but I'm willing to take that chance. I've got plenty of fleece scraps that want to spend their time being slippers. 

Tools and Supplies (affiliate links):

Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q

Sunshine Quilting

 

Remember this little quilt top? 

I loaded it up and got quilting. 

As a cuddle quilt I didn't want to do any fancy quilting. I used a small meander that should make this little quilt super cuddly after washing.

Machine-finished binding for a quick finish! Don't forget the label.  

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
Creative Grids 6.5" Square Quilting Ruler

Cheryl Ann's Quilting Design Wall - 72" White

Cranky Socks

 Happy, merry, joyous holiday!

I wanted to try a mock ribbed sock. I think it turned out nicely for my first try. Granted, I've made dozens of socks so this was really just learning about the process of skipping needles. I'm really enjoying this cone yarn from CSM Supplies. Totally check them out the next time you want to buy 500 grams of superwash yarn. 

I'm still working on socks to give away, too. I should give my ribber another chance. Maybe I'll be better at it than the last time. 

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@beccascrazyprojects) and my Etsy shop Becca's Crazy Projects to get updates on what I'm doing and when listings go live. 

Want more information about circular sock knitting machines, tools, and attachments? I recommend you head over to CSM Love. They have collected so many resources in one easy-to-use site. I used the site to find the Split Yarn Carrier by Chambord CSM. 

Hybrid Mount Mini Mast for Erlbacher Gearhart Circular Sock Machine 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

More Masks

 

Since this has become our favorite style of mask I decided it was time to make some more. I even experimented by making a larger version (the beer bottles one is supersized). 

This pup peeking from the edge is so much fun! This mask is cut completely with rotary cutting tools (rotary cutter, rulers, mat) and is all straight-line sewing. Super simple construction, too. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler
Fiskars Rotary Cutter

Fiskars Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades, 45mm , 5-Pack
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q

Wrights 4.5" Easy Angle ruler
Mask Ear Elastic with beads

Crochet Basket

 

What does one do with entirely too much cotton yarn? Well, you make a basket. 

I discovered this YouTube video that sparked my interest in this project. I grabbed my hook and got to work. 

This was a quick project. Likely about five days. Granted, a couple of those days were Saturday and Sunday which always means more time to crochet. 

After a while I was using it to hold my working yarns. The base is about 13" in diameter. Plenty of room!

This is a great crochet project basket. Put your yarn inside and get going!

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)

Cranky Socks

I've been cranking out socks for my darling husband. Slowly I'm building up a collection of socks for him.

I'm trying to use as many different yarns as possible so he can easily pair them. 

Even though I generally think matching socks are overrated. Are you still crafting for the winter holidays? I certainly am. 

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@beccascrazyprojects) and my Etsy shop Becca's Crazy Projects to get updates on what I'm doing and when listings go live. 

Want more information about circular sock knitting machines, tools, and attachments? I recommend you head over to CSM Love. They have collected so many resources in one easy-to-use site. I used the site to find the Split Yarn Carrier by Chambord CSM. 

Hybrid Mount Mini Mast for Erlbacher Gearhart Circular Sock Machine 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc)  

Purple Felfs

Felfs in the making! This is really simple knitting. Worked flat on big needles. 

Then sewn up into a foot-like shape. These are made to be mirror images.

This is the basic shape once sewn up. I hope those lines show up nicely after felting. 

I wanted to show the size before and after felting. These are made with Sheep's Pride and felt up nicely, even if they do need a couple trips through the wash cycle to get down to a slipper size. I'm going to make some using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes next. I think the felting will come out differently but felting is an adventure! You don't really know how it will turn out until you're done.  

Pattern: The Art of Felfs by Cat Bordhi

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Addi Turbo circular knitting needle 32 inch - Size US 11

Clover Locking Stitch Markers
blunt tip scissors
Large eye needles 
Clover Yarn Threader

Sunshine Half-Square Triangles

I've had this fabric sitting around for ages. I made a quilt for a workmate several years ago when he and his wife had their little girl. That little girl is now at least eight years old. Time flies. 

I decided to make a bunch of half-square triangle blocks using the 5" charms. This idea came from a talk by Blair Stocker of Wise Craft Handmade during the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild virtual meeting in November. 

I worked on the units during my last quilt as a leader & ender. The units then spent a bunch of time on the design wall until Sunday when I sewed them into rows and columns.

Then I added a border to square it up and give those edges some stability. The finished size will be 40" by 40", a perfect size for a little tummy-time. I think it turned out quite well.  

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
Creative Grids 6.5" Square Quilting Ruler

Tucker Trimmer III
Cheryl Ann's Quilting Design Wall - 72" White

Cranky Socks

I've been making more socks! I know, this surprises no one. 

I knit up and then finished two pair. One for my darling husband and the other pair on commission. 

These came out great!

I did some black Friday shopping on Knit Picks and my yarn showed up this week. Here is my collection. I'm going to have to go on a yarn diet next year!

Came across this on my afternoon walk yesterday. I'm not sure if this is a statement about 2020 or just a normal thing. It could go either way at this point. 

I won't be adding more socks to my Etsy shop until 2021. I still have a few pairs ready to ship so order soon to get them by the holidays but understand there are delays in the U.S. Postal Service right now that are completely beyond my control. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@beccascrazyprojects) and my Etsy shop Becca's Crazy Projects to get updates on what I'm doing and when listings go live. 

Want more information about circular sock knitting machines, tools, and attachments? I recommend you head over to CSM Love. They have collected so many resources in one easy-to-use site. I used the site to find the Split Yarn Carrier by Chambord CSM. 

Hybrid Mount Mini Mast for Erlbacher Gearhart Circular Sock Machine 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc)  

Colorful Felfs

Several years ago I purchased The Art of Felfs by Cat Bordhi. 

I pulled out some Lamb's Pride and knit up another pair. I also knit up a test square using a different yarn. If you have the pattern, this little square is how you make your felt swatch so you can calculate how many stitches you need for your slippers. It's brilliant, really. They look terribly large before they get felted.  

One trip thought the wash in a zippered bag and the test square is perfect but the slippers need another trip through the wash. Felting is an interesting process when you are trying to felt something. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Addi Turbo circular knitting needle 32 inch - Size US 11

Clover Locking Stitch Markers
blunt tip scissors
Large eye needles 
Clover Yarn Threader

Yarn Basket Bag

I've been eyeing the Basket Bag pattern by Michelle Patterns for a while.

When I saw it on sale for 25% off (still on sale as I write this blog post) I grabbed it. The cutting and sewing directions are clear and easy to follow. I cut in the morning and had a finished bag by lunch time. 

This was my test sew of the largest size and it is perfect for holding yarn and bunches of yarn at that. This would be a great little bag as a base for a gift basket. A small one with a couple hanks of yarn and some stitch markers for your favorite knitter would be great! Or filled with handmade washcloths, handmade soap, a couple bath bombs, and lotion for the friend that likes to pamper themselves. So many options!

I learned the pattern and what I might want to change when making another. That isn't a critisizm of the designer. Everyone has their own workflow and how they like their finished objects. Make as many patterns from as many designers as possible. It will help you learn what you like in construction and your favorite techniques. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Creative Grids 6.5" Square Ruler
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
Pellon Flex Foam
Craft Clips
Heat'n Bond Non-Woven Feather Weight Fusible 20"x 25 Yards-White
SF101 Shape-Flex® (I was unable to find this for a reasonable price on Amazon. I recommend checking your local big box craft/sewing store.)
Pattern storage: Plastic Envelopes, Clear Reusable Poly Envelope Waterproof File Folder with Snap Button, US Letter/A4 Size

Cranky Socks

I ordered several cones of sock yarn from CSM Supplies a few weeks back. It took forever to get here. It shipped the day after I ordered it. Thank you, Jamie! But then that box spent way more than the 3-5 days with the postal service trying to get from Missouri to Maryland. 

This one was so could make my Darling Husband some wool socks. Because everyone needs more socks. 

The first one worked up great. A test wash of the first pair and I will be cranking out his holiday socks in no time. He isn't the only one on my list getting new socks for winter. 

I won't be adding more socks to my Etsy shop until 2021. I still have a few pairs ready to ship so order soon to get them by the holidays. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@beccascrazyprojects) and my Etsy shop Becca's Crazy Projects to get updates on what I'm doing and when listings go live. 

Want more information about circular sock knitting machines, tools, and attachments? I recommend you head over to CSM Love. They have collected so many resources in one easy-to-use site. I used the site to find the Split Yarn Carrier by Chambord CSM. 

Hybrid Mount Mini Mast for Erlbacher Gearhart Circular Sock Machine 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers, Medium

Fiskars 7 Inch Softgrip Student Scissors (snipping yarn)
5 Pieces 5 Different Size Bent Latch Hook Crochet Needle Hook (picking up dropped stitches)
Cable Clamp PRO Cable Management 4 Pack (used in place of weight buckle)
Brightech Lightview Pro Flex - Hands Free, Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp for Close Work (lens removed)
Zibra PB100LZR Grip-n-Glide 1-Inch Round Trim Paint Brush (to clean lint/dust from machine)
24 Pack Metal Rectangular Empty Hinged Tins (hold extra machine needles)
addi Express Hook (picking up dropped stitches, hanging setup bonnet, finishing missed stitches)
Do4U Drinking Home Office Table Desk Side Huge Clip (I use it to hold the ball/cake of yarn while I crank but it could hold your drink, too)
BLACK+DECKER WM225-A Portable Project Center and Vise (this is my machine stand, slightly modified for a larger work surface)

RuMe Bags Baggie All (Aspen) (to hold my hand-finishing supplies: yarn needle, needle threader, scissors, Kitchener directions, stitch markers, etc) 

Crochet Finish

Sometimes I start a project without really knowing where it is going. This shawl was made using Lindy Chain from Knit Picks. This is a linen and cotton blend that feels rather stiff when working with it but the resulting fabric has delightful drape. I did not use a pattern for this project. It is made primarily using the moss-stitch (single crochet one, chain one) with rows of double crochet one, chain one offset with another row of single crochet one, chain one. Check out my Etsy shop for ready-to-ship knit and crochet project bags like the one shown above.  

I decided to work through each color in turn to make one shawl. This was a great project to work on while watching television. We were watching Foyle's War (affiliate link). 

I don't think this one needs blocking. The fabric is very nice the way it is. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)

Knitter's Pride Dreamz Tunisian Crochet Hook Set

Quilt Kit Sewing

Part 3

Each block got set on point. These blocks measure 17.5" by 17.5". 

Then the block sashing. 

Then this happened. I'm not going to point it out. I'm just going to say it went into a quilt time out for about a day before I got back to work on it. 

Internal borders done. Those little setting blocks are really nice. 

Finished top with the wide outer border. I need more borders in my quilt life. I'm pretty pleased with how this one turned out. It's folded up and in the shop bag for the next time I go to the quilt shop so I can pick up backing fabric. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
Creative Grids 6.5" Square Quilting Ruler

Tucker Trimmer III
Cheryl Ann's Quilting Design Wall - 72" White