Multipass

When I saw this recent embroidery design release by Off With Their Threads I raced to the website to buy my copy. This is such a great geek project. After trimming some slivers off my card, it holds my vaccine card perfectly.  

I was so glad I found this gray vinyl in my collection. Perfect for this project. This design fits in the 5" by 7" hoop and stitches out pretty quickly. 

I backed mine with coordinating gray felt. I think I'll use vinyl as backing on the next one. 

Machine embroidery design: Multipass Vaccination Card Holder from Off With Their Threads

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Magna-Glide bobbins (absolutely the best for my embroidery machine)
Pellon Stitch-N-Tear, 20" by 30 yd, White

Fiskars curved craft scissors

Cranky Socks

The latest pair of cranky socks. These were made with Activ yarn I bought from CSM Supplies. I wish I had all the colors. 

On our short trip north I finished up the socks from last week. This pair of monster socks. This is how I Kitchener stitch the toes closed. First I transfer to live stitches onto a pair of short circulars, then Kitchener as one would any pair of socks. There are other ways to do this. This is just the way I am most comfortable. 

And this pair made with some more Activ yarn. I gifted a couple pairs while were in Rhode Island so I don't feel so bad about all those I still have. I should plan an Etsy shop update soon. 

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) 

Charity Quilting

I continue to quilt little charity quilts for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. I pieced this one using many leftover pieces from other quilts. 

This kit was pieced by Trudy. I'll drop it off with Annapolis Quilts for Kids and someone else with attach the binding. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

Here is the EpochConverter for 2021.  

2021 Charity Quilt Count: 22

Travel Maker

Last week we had to travel to Rhode Island for business. My partner did the driving. I used that time to work on some hats for Knots of Love. 

I combined different yarns using the same pattern. 

This is a quick pattern that makes a great beanie in a short period of time. 

I looked at loads of patterns and ended up settling on this design of my own. Alternate between double crochet and single crochet rows. Make all stitches through the back loop. So simple yet very effective when alternating yarns. The one above was made with two different ombre yarns (Red Heart Unforgettable). 

By the time we got home I had finished eight hats. Not bad. These will be headed out once I get them washed and boxed up. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support Knots of Love by going to their site and making a donation. I don't add affiliate links to my charity posts on purpose. I donate my time, my yarn, and my skill to the cause. 

Cranky Socks

I was in the mood for some monster socks. I grabbed this purple Knit Picks Stroll and this fun Knit Picks Felici and got cranking. 

I added contrast heels in electric blue along with some other leftovers from other socks. Every pair of monster socks is unique and I love that. I'm not even close to running out of leftovers to make more. 

After making the monster socks I took a break (monster socks take almost twice a long as socks made with a single yarn) from the concentration of monster socks and made a simple pair of cocks. These were made with one of the very fun colorways of Activ yarn I bought from CSM Supplies. Remember, matching socks are overrated. 

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) 

Charity Quilts

Saturday the Annapolis Quilts for Kids had a social sewing event and I dropped off ten quilts ready for binding. I picked up several more tops ready for quilting and a roll of batting. They like to keep me busy. Afterwards I came home and did some quilting. I pieced this big-block quilt. 

The simple 17" by 17" blocks are so different in each quilt. Such fun to use up scraps from quilt backings into usable little quilts. Once the four blocks are joined and the border added, the quilt finishes around 38" by 38". A great size for kids. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

Here is the EpochConverter for 2021.  

2021 Charity Quilt Count: 20

Make Do and Mend

I bought a simple tote at one of the big box stores several years ago. One of the handles decided it was giving up. Of course, it did this while it was full of charity quilts. 

That failed strap became this tangled mess. That's okay, I have all the tools needed to fix this bag so it can get several more years of use carrying charity quilts around. 

Step one: measure the width of the strap. We will multiply this by four to determine how wide to cut our fabric strap. 

Step two: use this amazing tool from Bucklebee Bags. This is their Razor Seam Ripper and is a great tool for ripping. I am so glad I came across Bucklebee Bags at a local quilt show a couple years ago. 

Step three: find some suitable fabric. I grabbed some fabric leftover from a quilt backing and cut it to 4" wide by about 44" long. This great video by Daisy Lane Design shows you how to make this style handle. Then I trimmed my handles to the correct length. 

Step four: clip those straps to the bag. 

Step five: stitch the handles to the bag.

Step six: fill the repaired bag with quilts to drop off at Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle 
Fiskars Rotary Cutter

Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

Package of 100 craft clips

Cranky Socks

Even though they aren't done when they come off the machine I feel like I've accomplished something. these were made with six different yarns. Some Knit Picks Stroll, Knit Picks Felici, a couple leftover bits from Knit Picks Stroll I dyed myself, and some Cascade. They all came together to create these delightful socks. 

Kitchener stitching the toes closed takes less time than it does to watch a single episode of  Death in Paradise. I think I'll add these to my Etsy shop the next time I do a shop update. 

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. 

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) 

Respect the Power Tool

I opened up my Juki last weekend. It was past time to do so. Here is a view of the fluff-bunnies hiding under the needle plate. 

Some time with the brush and I was ready to get stitching again. I also changed out the needle. 

I bought this sticker from Hunter Design Studio this past winter,. Treat your tools with the respect they deserve. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Juki TL-2010Q

Superior Threads - Titanium-Coated Topstitch Needles

Big-Blocks

Another scrappy, big-block quilt. These really are fun to make.

Quilted and ready for binding. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

Here is the EpochConverter for 2021.  

2021 Charity Quilt Count: 18

Cranky Socks

I saw an Instagram post by Knitterly Things for a sock yarn of the month club available for the next three months. I've never participated in a sock yarn club and I have a great pair of socks made with Knittrely Things yarn that I love. Sounded perfect. I signed up and paid for the three months. 

I signed up to get a coordinating little hank for heels and toes. Aren't these colors delightful?

I wound my yarn into cakes, set up my machine and got cranking.

In no time I had an almost finished pair of socks. A couple of episodes of Death in Paradise later and they were finished. 

As the weather warms I may not have an occasion to wear these but they will be perfect when I do. 

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) 

Remade Socks

I knit this pair of socks in November of 2019. The last time they came out of the wash one sock had a hole. I could mend the sock, or rip them both out and knit them again. I went with the latter. 

The first step was to get rid of the toes. The wear at the toes was enough to make unraveling the knitting too difficult. 

I wound the yarn onto my niddy noddy into hanks. 

While unraveling one sock the yarn got tangled so I ended up with two small hanks and one larger one. 

After a wash to get most of the kinks out, I wound them back into balls and got knitting. 

I added a coordinating gray from Knit Picks to make contrast heels and toes. I'm so happy I have my socks back! 

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. 

Knit Picks niddy noddy 

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) 

Safety is Sexy

 

When I decided to start skating I knew I had to buy safety gear. I'm not a young person, I've broken many bones over my lifetime, and don't fancy doing it again. I bought this helmet because it was easily accessible during the pandemic (Amazon). But, geez, is it boring. 

I have a handful of stickers from different designers and hobbies. It was time to put them to use. 

This is the most important one. I cannot tell you how much fun it IS NOT to hit your noggin' on the pavement. Safety is important and sexy. 

I'm going to need some more stickers. So much real estate waiting for sticker flair. 

Get out there, get moving. Wear your safety gear and skate like you don't care who sees you fall down. If you fall down, just do what Steve Rogers would do: get back up. 

Rainbow Femme roller skate and Safety is Sexy stickers by Cheers to the Queers

Tentacle kitten sticker by Motley Thread

Sew Sassy stickers by Hunter's Design Studio

Moxi roller skate sticker by Moxi Skates (included with my Moxi Juicy Wheels)

Skate accessories I bought to support this crazy new hobby (affiliate links):
Zeato All-in-One Skate Tool
Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set
Triple Eight The Certified Helmet

Derby Laces

Yellow Jacket Skate Bearings