Hand Quilted Finish

 I’m trying to finish up a few things, before I start something new. I bought this quilt top from eBay last year (or even before) mainly because it was cheap and I liked the happy colors. 

It’s actually a preprinted panel (cheater quilt) to which someone added a couple borders.  My plan was to quickly hand quilt it with diagonal lines in one direction only. 

Needless to say, very shortly into the quilting, I realized I had unintentionally criss crossed my quilting lines. That’s why I had to finish with two sets of diagonal lines. It took a lot longer to complete, but it looks better that way.

See my friendly stray cat

I completed the quilting a month or so ago, but finally put the binding on this week. (Backing is a thrifted sheet and binding also from thrifted fabric.) It is approximately twin size and we will use it for watching tv on the couch.

I found this Christmas colored yarn at a thrift store while visiting my daughter in Mississippi. I’ve been putting trim on a few dish cloths.

I continue to work on Santa Claus. Zoom for a better view.

Linking to Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching. Go here to see what others are hand stitching.

I’ve shown this little quilt before and it’s still a favorite. I don’t do much decorating for fall, but I do like this on my table. It took a couple weeks to have  new tile floors installed a few years ago. I sat in the sewing room during the installer’s work hours, locked inside with three dogs, while hand stitching this little quilt together. Two of those dogs are gone now. 🌈🌈. 

About that stray cat, he has become so friendly, and follows me around like a puppy when I’m outside. I have never picked him up, but I can rub on him all day if I wanted. So, I know I need to do the responsible thing and have him neutered. Yikes! Soon, I promise. Did I mention there are three new young kittens coming around these days? The things we get ourselves into ——

🐈‍⬛ 

October Slow Stitching

I'm still on a crocheting frenzy and I really need to stop! Who even WANTS all these dish cloths???

I have found that crocheting these granny square cloths has become an addiction!  I ordered some pretty yarns and of course, now I feel obligated to keep crocheting.

I am accumulating quite a stack (this is not all of them).  When we have our family get togethers for the holidays, I'll pass the bag around.... "A rag for you, A rag for you..... Everyone gets a rag!"  lol

I'm linking up to Kathy's Quilts: Slow Stitching Sunday .  It's fun to go there to see what others are doing with their busy fingers.

In my defense, I have only been able to grab a few stitches here and there, as we have been busy painting.  (another good thing about crochet.... it's portable and easy to add a few stitches while waiting for something else to happen.  I keep it by my glider rocker for easy access)

We have painted our dining room  and we bought a "new to us" dinette set just in time for the holidays.

Paint Color: Valspar Nostalgia

I've never had a table that seats this many people and I can hardly wait to see it filled with family and friends.  I have another small table in the kitchen that seats four more.   Bring on the fun!


How about you?  Are you getting holiday ready??

I did this new thing!

I've been wanting to learn how to crochet, so decided to plunge in and try to teach myself.

I found this really great video on you tube;  CLICK HERE by Bonnie Barker.

It was very easy to follow and I ended up with two new dishcloths. 

Are they perfect?  NO  Did I have to pull the yarn out and restart several times?  YES  Was it fun?  YES   Are they usable?  YES  Will I make more?  YES 

I'm going to try a different cotton yarn next time, as this one feels pretty stiff.  I've done my research and I want to try one that is 85% cotton, 15% polyester.   Does anyone have a favorite yarn for making dishcloths?

I finished the baby quilt binding on Sunday.  Here are pictures, mainly for my own documentation. 

It has been laundered and survived the dryer.  Does anyone else hold their breath each and every time they wash and dry a quilt for the first time?  :-))

I truly enjoyed every single stitch while making this quilt.

This quilt will be gifted next week when I take Sweet Pea back for her follow up appointment.  Thank you for the kind words about her and I am happy to report she is back to her normal self.  I am praying her liver tests will be normal next week.