The Mermaid

Part 3

This is going to be so many parts. I'm still working through my collection of batik fabrics. I didn't expect the hair to read as red as it does in this image but I really like it.

Building up the layers from the bottom.

I finished up the hair. 

I don't know if I would have picked these fabrics at the fabric store, but when you shop your collection of fabric you make do. 

The applique is finished. Next up will be the quilting. I'm going to let her hang so I can think about layering the thread.

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Cheryl Ann's Quilting Design Wall - 72" White
Reynolds Freezer Paper Plastic Coated 50 Sq Ft
Elmer's Liquid School Glue, Washable, 4 Ounces
Crayola Ultra-Washable Markers

Instant Pot Yogurt

I eat yogurt most days as a morning snack. I feel particularly bad about the fact that you can only buy yogurt in single-use plastic containers. The single serving size all come in plastic. The larger tubs come in fewer flavors. 

Darling Husband pointed out I can make yogurt in the Instant Pot so I decided to give it a go. There are several different recipes out there but it really comes down to two: whole milk and and yogurt (for the active cultures). I used these directions from Epicurious because it outlined clearly the steps when it came to using the Instant Pot. First, you boil the milk. 

Then, you cool the milk to a point where it won't kill the active cultures that will turn that milk into yogurt and stir in the yogurt.

Set the Instant Pot to 'yogurt' and walk away for eight hours or so. This is a great Saturday or Sunday project because it takes very little prep time. 

Come back eight hours later and those cultures have turned that milk into yogurt!

I like a firm yogurt, so I lined a colander with coffee filters and let it strain into a bowl in the fridge for a few more hours. 

Then I put it in reusable jars so I won't feel bad about the single-use plastic. Maybe I'll add a little fruit to spice it up. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Six Quart Instant Pot

Ball half-pint jars

Charity Quilting

A couple more charity quilts.

Pieced by Mary.

The meander is perfecft for these scrappy quilts.

This one was also pieced by Mary. They will be added to the stack to head back to Annapolis Quilts for Kids at the next meeting. 

Here is the EpochConverter for 2019.

2019 Charity Quilt Count: 34

Crochet Starburst Poncho

I've had this Caron Big Cakes Self Striping Yarn in my collection for a while now. I have been playing with the idea of using a shawl tutorial from the Fiber Spider to make a starburst poncho. I sat still long enough give it a go. 

I used foundation double crochet to start the poncho. Realized it wasn't right and ripped it back.

Started the foundation double crochet again, and realized there was a problem with the join for the beginning of the round. 

The third time I managed to get it right!

After that, I wasn't going to rip it back any more. I might try it differently if I do this again, but I think once the piece hangs it will even out along the neckline. 

The shawl has four points and the poncho will have four points. You could wear this with one point forward and back with one over each arm, or with two points in front and two in the back. I'll update as I go along so you can see how it works out. I think it's going to be great!

If you haven't watched the Fiber Spider's YouTube tutorials, I highly recommend them. Designs are clearly explained and worth your time if you're struggling with a design covered.

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)
Caron Big Cakes Self Striping Yarn