Dotted Rays

I have hoarded this great yarn from past year's Maryland Sheep and Wool Festivals long enough. It was time to cast on another Dotted Rays and get knitting. 

This yarn is by Hobbledehoy Yarn + Fibers. I saw it at the festival and had to have it. 

The pink/purple/blend is an amazing yarn by Yarn Hero. I love yarns like this.

The constantly changing colors just make me happy! I love knitting this shawl.

Tools and Supplies (affiliate links):
Needles: Knit Picks Options Wood Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set - US 4-11 (Sunstruck)
Blocking mats: Balance From Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles
Blocking wires: Knit Picks Lace Blocking Wires & T-Pins
Knit blockers: Knitter's Pride Knit Blockers & Pin Kit

Stitch markers: CLOVER Lock Ring Markers 20/pkg

More Masks

Every time I think I have made enough masks I realize my work isn't done.

No matter how many I make I continue to find fabrics that are just too much fun and friends and family who need more masks.

I use the free mask pattern from Craft Passion. I want to keep the Halloween prints for myself. 

I cut the elastic for medium masks to 7.5" long. 

I cut the elastic to 8.5" for large masks. So many fun fabrics.

Articles (updated July 2020)

NPR: Symptomatic, Asymptomatic, Presymptomatic: Who Can Spread The Coronavirus?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

NPR: A User's Guide To Masks: What's Best At Protecting Others (And Yourself) 
NPR: Widespread Use Of Face Masks Could Save Tens Of Thousands Of Lives, Models Project 
World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Mythbusters

Mask Patterns
Domesticity Fabric Shop (three free patterns linked)
Craft Passion (my preferred pattern, includes video tutorial)
Delectable Mountain Quilter's Guild (several tips, patterns, and references)

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Creative Grids 6.5" Square Ruler
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
Clover 2-Type Bodkin

Sewing Machine Gifting

A coworker asked for a recommendation on a sewing machine. I said I could give him a sewing machine. All I had to do was dig around and find one.

I dug around in the attic and pulled out this winner. Winner because it works, and has most of the parts. I did some sample sewing to make sure all the stitches worked.

I couldn't find the spool pin cap (this one is from my Juki). But it isn't strictly speaking a requirement. He should be able to get one aftermarket, or 3D printed. In a pinch you can put a rubber band on the spool pin and that will do the job. I also couldn't find the button hole attachment but now often do people really do button holes?

This one even has the manual! I keep some things entirely too long. I scrounged up the right bobbins, some spare needles, and a couple spools of thread. I will get it all boxed up and in the trunk for the next time I see him.

In The Hoop

Time to get hooping! My cutting table prior to the real mess. I discovered Off With Their Threads last week. They were having a sale and I couldn't resist picking some fun in the hoop (ITH) projects. I grabbed my tear-away stabilizer and hooped it up.

I decided to use this lime green vinyl I picked up at one of the big box fabric stores a while back. The strap for the claw clasp was a leftover from another project. This is the step in the project I realized I had taped it onto the work the wrong way. I grabbed my seam ripper and got that sorted out. 

I taped down the clasp before the final stitch out just to be sure the needle wouldn't hit it. 

Trimmed and ready for the final steps on the sewing machine. This project is not completely in the hoop but the last couple seams are quick on the machine.

Such a cute little pouch! I want to buy so many different printed vinyls so I can make more of these. 

Lined with a fun printed felt. 

What do you do with such a little pouch? Well, you stuff two or three face masks into it so you will always be prepared. 

Fun little project! I think I should make a couple more. Great to hang on your key ring or handbag.

Machine embroidery design: Off With Their Threads Mini Backpack

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Craft Clips with Tin Box Package, Pack of 100
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
Magna-Glide bobbins (absolutely the best for my embroidery machine)
KAM snaps
Pellon Stitch-N-Tear, 20" by 30 yd, White
Premium Metal Lobster Claw Clasps - Wide 3/4 Inch D Ring