Border the Blues

This week I managed to squeeze in a little sewing time. I finished sewing the blocks together. 

I also managed to attach one border. I have one more border to attach. Evening photos have such poor lighting. Sorry about the quality.  

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle 
Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler

Tucker Trimmer III
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

Crochet Crazy

I've been working on this mosaic crochet blanket for a while now. I'm using some of the Knit Picks Wool of the Andes worsted a received from Aunt Betty. 

This is a one-row repeat made with two contrasting yarns. I made color changes when I reached the end of the ball of yarn while maintaining contrast between the two colors. There was so much blue yarn that it became my main color and I moved through others trying to keep the color moving between like colors. The result is just awesome! Mosaic crochet is my new favorite technique. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)

The Blues

I've been working on this one for a while but picked it back up this month. 

I'm almost ready to join the rows and add a couple borders. This part of the quilt is about 72" by 72". Stay tuned to see how this one finishes up. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle 
Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler

Tucker Trimmer III
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

How I Mask

I've noticed more views on my mask posts so I wanted to share how I make them. This is nothing new, you can find this design in many places, including YouTube, and on other blogs, by using the search "3D mask". The main difference here is that I am a quilter so I will show you how to do it using quilter's tools. Referenced tools included at the bottom of the post with links to buy your own (these are affiliate links and I may receive a small - think pennies - compensation for pointing you to the listings on Amazon). Even if you don't buy the specific tool I recommend I may receive this small compensation. 

First, use your ruler of choice to cut two pieces of quilting cotton to 10" wide by 7.5" high. These will be your outer (I chose the black heart print) and lining (the gray floral left over from a quilt back). Depending on the quality of your fat quarter, you can get two masks out of one fat quarter. To cut these I use a combination of my Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle, Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler, and Tucker Trimmer III. You can use any ruler or rulers that will get you the right size. 

Line them up with right-sides together. We're going to cut the corners off using another quilting ruler. I usually stack two masks (four total layers) when I do this. Not too many layers at once and makes quick work of the cutting. 

Line up the Wrights 4.5" Easy Angle ruler, or other right-triangle ruler, on the dashed line just under 2". This will let you trim away triangles that are about 2" on each short side. You don't want to cut on the 2" line because that will cut away more than you want. 

Repeat for all four corners and you should have this octagon. 

Mark an opening on the bottom and sew around with a 1/4" seam allowance back stitching at the beginning and end. For non-directional prints it doesn't really matter which is the top and bottom. For directional prints with a clear top and bottom you should put the opening on the bottom. 

Trim the points. You don't have to trim much. Leave about 1/8" between your scissors and the stitching. This will help you get sharp points after turning. 

Turn the mask right-sides out. I use a chopstick to push out the points. I finger-press before pressing with the iron and keep my chopstick handy in case I need to poke at those corners again. 

Start at the bottom of the mask and top-stitch all the way around at 1/8" from the edge. I start and stop at the center bottom edge but you could start almost anywhere but the top edge and it won't be noticeable. I back stitch at the end over my beginning stitches. 

Back to the ironing board to press the top and bottom towards the middle. I typically press on a straight line between the corners as shown above. 

Top stitch along each of these folds approximately 1/8" from the pressed line, backstitching at the beginning and end. Plus or minus a little won't make a difference but taking a much bigger bite will definitely change the size of the finished mask.

This is what you end up with. All this top stitching might seem like overkill but it serves a purpose, just like the pressing. This helps give it some of its shape. I stitch these lines so my top thread is on the center section. If you're using the same color thread on the top and bobbin it doesn't make much of a difference. 

Back to the sewing machine to add the ear-bands. Put 1/2" to 1" of the band into the crease. I've made these with a length of elastic and we don't like them as much as these Adjustable ear bands from Amazon. There are other options, like t-shirt strips, or elastic and beads. This is how we like them. 

Let that flap fall back over the Adjustable ear band and fold it up so you get this little triangle. 

Start at the top left corner of that little triangle (the top left corner of the black fabric in this photo), backstitch, stitch to the point, with the need down rotate the work 45 degrees and stitch out to the corner where the ear-band is. With the needle down, rotate another 45 degrees and stitch halfway down the side. The stitching will look something like a backwards N. Like this: И.

Put the other end of the ear-band into the bottom fold, stitch down to the bottom corner and stop with the needle down. 

Rotate the work 45 degrees so you can go up the ramp, stopping at the top corner to rotate another 45 degrees and stitch down, backstitching before stitching off the edge. This one is shaped line an N. 

Here is what it will look like on the outside. 

Now you have a 3d mask!

They fold up like this. 

Once you get going you might end up with more than you bargained for. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle 
Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler

Tucker Trimmer III
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades
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

Adjustable ear bands

More Masks

I had to order some more ear-bands to keep making masks. 

I cut a bunch of panels and stitched them up. 

In the end, and this isn't the end, I ended up with so many masks. I'm sure I'll be able to find them good homes. A friend pointed out I have one for every mood. I would say so!

If you want to see how I make these I'm drafting a photo tutorial for Friday's post. This isn't a new design and if you don't want to wait you can check out this YouTube video. 

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
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

Adjustable ear bands

Purple Felfs

 

Last week I finished up this pair of felfs. I determined each of these felfs takes about 70 grams of yarn. That meant the two 50 gram balls of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in purple wasn't enough to make the pair. I worked through one of the balls and switched to the lighter, heathered yarn for the remainder. 

These felted up beautifully! 

Such a fun pair of felted slippers! The best way to fit a pair of felted slippers is to put them on when they are still damp. That way they can stretch to fit your feet. I should make a couple more pairs. 

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

Nothing New

I wish I had something exciting to share. I do not. Every day the weather is above 45F degrees and sunny I go outside and roll around for at least 30 minutes. Yesterday it was over 50 degrees. The secret to getting up and moving is getting up and moving. Yesterday my socks (yes, I made them) matched my skates. Well, these socks match many things, I'm sure. 

The weekend is nearly here. I'm sure I'll accomplish something productive over the long weekend. 

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

Practice, practice, practice

When there is sunshine, and the temperature isn't too cold, or the wind isn't blowing, I try to go outside and practice on my skates. Afternoon sunshine is perfect for this. I still love the skate leash I made. 

I'm not great skater by any means. I'm still falling over (occasionally) and learning more every time I practice. Little steps. 

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

 

More Masks

After trying the 3D style masks my Darling Husband asked for a few more. 

I pulled out some fun novelty prints and got cutting. 

Cut, sew, turn, press, sew, press, sew, sew. 

I cut out more than I needed and only finished these five. I'll likely sew up some more through the week. Little successes are a great way to build yourself up. And your collection of masks. 

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
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

Adjustable ear elastics

Cranky Socks

 

I was very productive the first three days of January. On the first I made this pair of socks. 

On the second I made this pair.

On the third I made this pair. Then, the next day was Monday and I went back to work and didn't make any socks on Monday-Friday. Maybe I'll make a couple more this weekend. We shall see. 

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) 

Picking Up the Pieces

Sometimes a project will get set aside. 

I'm not even sure when I stopped working on this quilt. It must have been at least a year ago. It was time to pull it out and make some more blocks. 

So much fabric and so many more blocks to go. I don't know if I'll finish it this time around but it is nice to pick up the pieces and keep moving. 

Like batiks? Want to see another of my quilts made with batik fabrics? Check out this post from 2018. My Jewel Box Stars was made using a wonderful free pattern by Bonnie Hunter. 

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
6.5" Easy Angle Ruler
Creative Grids 6.5" Square Ruler

Fiesta Crochet

I've been wanting to try more mosaic crochet. I've been eyeing the Fiesta mosaic crochet design on Ravelry. 

If you want to try your hand at this kind of crochet I recommend you check out Tinna's YouTube channel. Seriously, if you can single and double crochet you can do this with your tutorial. 

This was my first try at the design. I know what I would do differently next time but this was an excellent learning experience. 

The yarn is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (100% wool) and the pink is Cascade 220 (100% wool). I'll try this again and change up some of the colors. This motif is about 12" across. 

I see many more mosaic crochet projects in my future. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Crochet hooks: Clover Crochet Hook Set (10 hooks)

Notorious

I finally took the plunge and started quilting this little piece. This was inspired by a cross stitch design created by Prudence Kitch. If you are a cross-stitcher you should check out their snarky little darlings. Get your own copy of Prudence Kitch - Notorious on Etsy. If you want to see some of my progress shots check out this post. 

The background is quilted with this flower motif. 

The dress is quilted with a variegated thread to make these swirls. 

I added some detail to the lily.

The swirls make their way up the bodice.

Nothing fancy for the gavel.

I'll trim and bind and prepare a hanging sleeve. I'm really pleased with how this turned out. 

Remember, the patriarchy isn't going to smash itself. 

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 Ruler
Quilt design software: Electric Quilt