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