Gerda?

Gerda?  How well do you know your fairy tales?  

Gerda is the heroine from Hans Christian Andersen's Snow Queen.

And thus you have the opportunity to knit in this Knit Along

and then as you knit read the "Snow Queen".

It's been awhile since I've knit a shawl and this pattern features recipe

for both circle and half circle.

The pattern is designed by Bethany Hait

Yarn: Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 by JaggerSpun (50% wool, 50% silk, 630 yards), 2 skeins OR Malabrigo Sock (100% merino, 440 yards), 3 skeins

Recommended Needles: 4 mm, US size 6 (for laceweight), OR 5 mm, US size 8 (for finger weight), OR whatever needle will give you the fabric you like

Gauge: approximately 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

Pattern Notes: Always slip markers as you come to them. Their locations will be indicated in the first section, but after that, you will need to remember.

The half circle version includes a garter stitch border on either side. These stitches will be included in the directions, but not in the stitch counts for each row.

Techniques required: chart reading, increasing and decreasing, lace, working in the round.

The pattern will be free for anyone participating in the mKAL. Once the MKAL is complete (July 1), the pattern will be available for purchase.

Never Too Old

Case in point is Ethel Stein, a 96 year old weaver!  I want to be her when I grow up!  It goes to prove that working with your hands and brain, brings you the wealth of knowledge you need to achieve a fruitful life--weave on!

Displaying Textile Art

Textile Artist has an excellent article on how to display textile art.  Many moons ago, I worked with a museum to hang antique quilts and saris.  There is a definite way to make sure these fragile items are displayed in the proper manner as not to damage the integrity of the cloth.  I was also fortunate to work with galleries to assist with displaying delicate fabrics.  One year I worked with International Quilt Festival putting up their quilts for fall show--all these experiences helped me learn how professional companies work to insure that your work of art will be handled with the most care and caution.

For my quilts, that I hang at home, I use curtain rings.  I have added sleeves to the back of quilts, but couldn't find a great way to get the sleeves to stay attached to the wall.  This works perfectly for

me.

Take a look at the article and see how you can improve your ways to hang your textile art pieces.

Paper Piecing--ugh!

One of the quilt patterns that I took out of my stash box needs a role of paper piecing--I'm like--UGH!  But, I can do this; just not my favorite form of stitching.

At least, the pattern is large size and needs large pieces of fabric.  I printed off six copies,

for this row by row quilt

I begin with A1 

Position my tree trunk on the square on the back side of the paper.

Stitch along those lines when I add the side pieces to A2 and A3

Way too much fabric, but I can trim it down to the stitching line--rather have

too much than not enough

Okay, finished that section and we move up to

A4 and so it goes

I'm doing each section on each of the six patterns; then I'll be finished with all them

at the same time!

Tally HO!  

Finished!  All Six of the blocks--now to tackle the other five blocks awaiting paper piecing!

Hump Day Yarn Along

I finished my fingerless gloves the other night--just needed to tie up all those loose ends--a project I don't relish to do.  Then I remembered I had a special needle that would help me with that task

This blunt end needle is perfect for working on fiber projects--it doesn't catch on the fibers as you stitch into wooly works.

and see that needle eye--it's open so all you need to do is pull the fiber up close and snap it in!

I always hated trying to thread the needle--now, here is the answer!

And my Fingerless gloves are finished and ready to wear!

You can find these type of needles at Spiral Eye Needles

Melt-Blend Technique

Talking about coloring your quilts--take a look at this technique!

Quite fascinating-- now, I wish I hadn't dumped all my broken crayons!

This looks like fun, so I'm giving a try--some day!

Video to help you with this technique--

color, enhance, embellish just with

crayons!

Sister's Choice Is Quilted!

I'm so happy to report that my Sister's Choice quilt top is layered and quilted by Judy M.  This was a free Bonnie Hunter pattern that I worked on last summer.  The top was finished many moons ago--I just didn't have the backing; then it was at Judy's house for a few weeks--that traveling long arm gal needs to stay home, huh!!??

But, here it is in all its glory!  It was such a fun scrap quilt to make.

Simple nine patch block with wings--

I like the quilting pattern too

All swirly--just need to trim the edges, sew on the binding (which is ready)

and stitch!

Another delight to add to my collection--this could be a charity quilt too if

you twist my arm a little..................