Assemble!

I bought this Marvel Avenger's panel several years ago. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to do with it but I knew I had to have it. Recently, Sam Hunter of Hunter's Design Studio released a pattern for making panels into bigger, throw-size quilts with paper pieced borders. I rushed to Hunter's Design Studio to buy my pdf copy. 

I was too impatient to use the included paper piecing patterns so I made a bunch of flying geese. I promise you I'm going to use those paper piecing patterns. Just not in this project. 

I made an entire flock of flying geese. 

I decided I wanted a little paper piecing so I drafted this simple block for my corner stones using EQ8. Sometimes EQ8 makes things so easy. 

Four blocks were done, and precisely so, in no time. 

I chose to place a narrow border before adding my flying geese borders. 

Those paper pieced corner blocks really make this border shine. I followed with another narrow, red border. 

The final border is where this quilt really grew to a good size. My finished top measures 65" by 70". That's perfect for covering up on the couch. Now all it needs is a back. I'm going to have to visit the fabric store at some point or these quilts will never get finished. Right now I'm digging around in my collection to find panels that may be hiding. Because now they can become something amazing. 

 

Check out the Panel Pals pattern for yourself. You can order a paper copy or the pdf version for print-at-home, instant gratification. The directions are clear and the results are so worth it. Support small designers by buying their patterns. You will make a creative happy and you'll have a great pattern to make wonderful things with. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

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

Wrights 4.5" Easy Angle ruler

Simplicity Triangle Quilting Ruler and Quilting Template, 8" x 13.2"

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

Electric Quilt 8

Juki TL-2010Q

Knots of Love

I've been making more hats for Knots of Love. This one was made using Knit Picks Comfy and the sweet Coworker Beanie pattern by Rachy Newin. 

This one was made with the Tensfield by Martina Behm. I really enjoy this pattern. Simple knitting makes for a lovely hat. 

When I was done with that one I immediately cast on another. That's how much I enjoy making this hat. 

Tuesday evening I finished up. Such a soft, squishy beanie. Time to make another. 

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 quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my yarn, and my skill to the cause. 

Cranky Socks

 

I've had this yarn for a few months. Sunday I wanted an easy project. I grabbed this ball of Activ and got cranking. I bought this yarn from CSM Supplies. 

When I want a quick project I go for a colorful yarn and the hung hem. These socks are simple and I love that. I wear this style of sock almost every day. Above, I'm in the process of hanging the hem.  

I wanted to compare the ball of yarn (the first photo) to the finished fabric. This is one of the challenges of buying multi-colored yarn. You may not know what it will look like once you get it knitted up. 

These socks are just delightful. Like Mardi Gras for your feet. 

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) 

Get Rolling

I want to share the many things I've been doing. However, it seems I haven't been doing many things. I did get some roller skating in last week. I bought these great wheels from Roller Skate Nation. Let me tell you, they are fast!

Don't forget your safety gear!

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

Knots of Love

A friend recommended I check out Knots of Love. 

Their mission statement: "Since 2007, our mission is to warm the hearts & heads of children + women + men + veterans going through chemo. We are powered by the compassion and support from people just like you. Please consider making a donation today."

I recommend you skip over there and check out their website. Those of you who have been following my blog know I am constantly making. Sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, all sorts of wonderful hand-made objects. Hats are like potato chips, you can make one right after the other. Easy to carry when on the go, too. 

I pulled some yarn from my collection and got stitching. This beanie was knit using Knit Picks Comfy.

This one was crocheted using more Knit Picks Comfy. Knit Picks Comfy is a cotton/acrylic yarn that is soft and suitable for donation to Knots of Love. 

Since I work primarily with wool blend yarns, I popped over to the local big-box craft store and picked up some yarn from the Knots of Love approved list. Expect to see more beanies in the coming weeks as I knit and crochet my way through some new yarns. 

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 quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my yarn, and my skill to the cause. 

Charity Quilting

Under the sea! This one deserved a more water-like meander. Maybe not wavy enough. Pieced by Mary. 

Flower power! Such a fun scrappy quilt. Pieced by Trudy. 

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: 17

Cranky Socks

 

It is fun to see how different yarns pool when you work with them. This yarn is one a dyed a while back and I had just a little over 50 grams left. I added contrast cuff, heel, and toe. I think they came out great!

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) 

Charity Quilting

I pieced this little four-patch quilt and paired it with a coordinating backing. 

A fun print that should make someone very happy. 

This one was pieced by another member of Annapolis Quilts 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: 15

More Masks

A friend asked for some more masks so I grabbed some fabrics and got cutting. Lining and outer pieces cut and ready to go. Now, where did I leave those adjustable ear bands? 

I searched and searched and couldn't find them. I ended up having to do some tidying to find them. They were somewhat buried in the piles of creativity I have on my cutting table. I didn't have to dig very deep after all. That cutting table is still a mess.

These masks are really easy to cut with quilting rulers and your rotary cutter. You can get all the details in this tutorial from January. 

I recommend making at least two at a time, four is even better. I find it is just easier to send each one through the machine without breaking the thread unless you have to. 

I cut and finished 13 masks in a day. A day that included other things. 

While I believe people should take this opportunity to express themselves with their masks, some people work in places that just won't tolerate that kind of expression (boo!). That's when understated masks make the cut. Otherwise, wear that The Walking Dead mask, or the Skittles mask. Make a statement. 

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

Cranky Socks

Sometimes I go back to a project, tool, or technique and remember why I tried it in the first place. This amazing machine is no exception. Every time I make a pair of socks I am pleased with the process and the results. 

These were made using Cascade Yarns Heritage Wave. This fun yarn makes very wearable socks. They full (the stitches plump with washing making a denser fabric) a little bit in the wash so if you want a lighter sock this yarn might not be perfect for you. 

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) 

Whoops!

Sometimes things get in the way. I seem to have missed the regular Wednesday post so this one is backdated. Sorry.

Here is a picture of another scrappy charity quilt top I pieced last week. Maybe I'll be more productive next week. 

As always, following my Instagram (@beccascrazyprojects) will get you more often updates on what I'm working on. Sometimes things that don't even make it to the blog.  

Charity Quilting

I made this little quilt top months ago. Finally got it quilted this past weekend. 

This one was made by Trudy. I love how the border print makes the borders fun. 

I used this ribbon meander. I think I'll try to use this one more often. I'll drop these off with Annapolis Quilts for Kids later this month. 

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: 13

Forgetful Friday

Sadly, I don't have much to share today. It seems I forgot to take photos of my projects or write a blog post in advance. 

I've been planning a new crochet project. 

The daffodils are up in my front garden. 

I went for a walk with my dog. 

Make that two types of daffodil. 

Happy Friday! Make something that makes you happy. I think of it as making happiness.