I am a woman who wears many hats. I have taken on many different roles in life, hence the woman who wears many hats. I am a Wife, Mother, Musical Artist, Blogger, and Crafter. I love to be creative and watch the process develop and unfold to its completion.
I have gone crazy with establishing fall colors to use in this Granny Ripple Blanket. I am using Red Heart Super Saver yarn for this wonderful project that I have recently started. I got interested in color play, or at least that is what I am calling it. Sometimes basic patterns can be boring, and one wants to change it up. Frist, here is the pattern which can be downloaded at YARNSPIRATIONS. The pattern calls for Caron Kindness Yarn which has been discontinued. One can substitute with Red Heart yarn, Caron One Pound yarn, Caron Simply Soft yarn, or try the Caron All Day Cotton yarn. All these yarns are machine washable worsted weight #4. Check out the web site YARNSUB for more suggestions on yarn substitutes.
Most people follow the pattern closely including the colors, but I find that sometimes the yarn is not available or the colors listed in the pattern. That is why we need to learn other options IN YARN CHOICE such as the YARNSUB web site. This means that we can use the pattern to create the blanket using a different yarn. The key is the gauge in the pattern if you want an exact size in the finished project. Crocheting Afghans/Blankets are more forgiving and need not be precise in measurements. Notice that the gauge for Caron Kindness is 18 stitches equals 4 inches. Red Heart Super Saver is 17 stitches equals 4 inches, which is close. The other factor is the tension you have when you crochet an item. You may need to go up a size in crochet hook or down a size in order to match the gauge.
Now back to choosing colors. Choosing colors can be fun to play around with and also get some inspirations. I came across the web site called PROJECT GALLERY. It is a fun site to explore color combinations like the top of the picture below. Click the link to go to another color combinations. The bottom two strips of the picture below are from the book titled Crochet Color Combinations: 120 Beautiful Palettes for Every Season. Check it out on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. There is one more site that has color combination that you can download the 29 Colour Combinations Bernat Super Value by Diva Dan Booklet at MIKEY’S STITCH STUDIO.
Do you want to get ready for Christmas? Try the following color scheme.
The Tilda Poncho, which I started in late Spring, is designed for an easy beginner crocheter. I ordered the same materials as stated within the pattern. You may wonder why it took me so long to write about it. You might say the many projects I undertook this summer just got away with me. Too many crochet/knitting projects means you start them, but you have not completed them. Well, I plan on completing this wonderful poncho. Even though we are now in August, you can still wear this on cool nights. Lion Brand® Ice Cream® (Art. #923) Coffee, 4 balls are used in the pattern. Go to the Lion Brandsite to see the many colors available of this yarn. The yarn is soft like cotton, even though it is an acrylic yarn that is machine washable.
I was initially puzzled after looking at the chart below. The chart does not show the middle of the garment. The chart shows the sides, top, and bottom of one side of the garment.
In the picture above, I highlighted the sides, the middle section, and the shoulder section. It is important to notice the number of rows. I use safety pins to help me with the counting of the rows. Before I get to the shoulder section, each safety pin counts as 5 rows. The beginning of the shoulder section starts on row 47, where you begin the v-crochet stitches. Remember, this is half of the poncho that one is working on. I still need to finish this half by continuing down the back side to row 94. You can measure the garment from the shoulder to the bottom. If you find you need the poncho to be longer, add extra rows before the shoulder section. Whatever the amount you added, remember to add that amount to the back. You may need more yarn when adding extra rows.
I will update later with the finishing of this garment. The pattern uses a chain to weave through the ends of the sides of the garment. However, you may want to seam it using the Mattress stitch. Below is a video on how to Mattress stitch a garment. Check back for the completion. I hope you give this pattern a try.
Crazy Quilting may have taken a back seat, but to traditionalists, it still has merit. It uses all kinds of fabrics and was originally done by hand. Today, we use our sewing machines to piece fabric together. One can use leftover scrap cotton fabrics from making quilts. Crazy quilting involves using a five-sided centerpiece and placing fabrics around it before sewing decorative stitching to make a statement.
The original decorative stitching was sewn on by hand using embroidery stitches.
Hand Embroidery Stitches
Sewing Machine Embroidery
Today, we use our decorative stitches on our sewing machine to sew crazy quilts. The key is to use a thread color that is the opposite of the fabric color you are using. As you can see, I did not fully achieve this in the picture above. This was my first attempt at crazy quilting. I have found three methods of piecing together fabric when crazy quilting. The first is the most traditional way of crazy quilting. Start with a 5-sided piece in the center and rotate the piece clockwise. Take a look at the picture below. The center is number one, and cut pieces to match the center and follow the numbering around. This square can be 8 to 9 inches. This depends on the size cut for the first square and so on.
The second method is using quilting templates. Look at the picture below. This template has five pieces and is worked in the order shown: ABCDE. I found working the ABC together first, then DE second, and then sewing the two pieces together diagonally. Noticed that the template below uses 1/4-inch seams.
The third method is the sew and flip. The best way to describe this method is using strips of 2.5-inch fabric placed diagonally on the square muslin backing. One starts with sewing a piece of fabric at the corner of the square. Then the second piece is placed on the top of the first piece with right sides together before they are sewn together. Once sewn together, flip the fabric over before laying down the next piece to sew together. Seams are 1/4 inch. I used a 1/4 inch foot that has an edge plate.
Crazy Quilting using the sew and flip method to make placemats
With all methods of crazy quilting, one has to use a backing to sew on. I used cotton muslin. One can also use flat old bed sheets for the backing to sew on. If you do not use the sew and flip method, you would iron the side you are sewing 1/4 inch under before placing that piece on the edge of the piece you are sewing on. All pieces should have 1/4 inch seam allowance. The sky is the limit when it comes to embellishment of crazy quilting. Make a memory piece into art.
Victorian Crazy Quilt
Using lace, beads, and rick rack can add interest and make a wonderful piece to hang on a wall, or piece it as a centerpiece for a quilt. This is like scrapbooking. Give it a try. Check out the book by Sharon Boggon titled, “The Visual guide to Crazy Quilting Design.”
When Covid-19 hit the world, there was barley time to make prayer shawls since many people died so quickly. Yet, one cannot deny the blessings bestowed upon those who have received one. No matter what church denomination you are from, you can either crochet or knit a prayer shawl. This ministry began with a group of women who participated in the first Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary. One of the members began knitting “healing shawls” for women who were undergoing treatment for breast cancer and other illnesses.
Women have also begun to knit shawls for men who were ill. The men who have received the shawls were very thankful for this gift of healing. These wonderful gifts of love can be found all over the country now. It is amazing how warm these shawls are in a cold environment such as a hospital room.
It does not always have to be shawls but Afghans, such as the Woodland Circle Afghan shown above from Lion Brand. I have crochet two so far. One can use leftover yarn from the shawls to make this circular Afghan. Download the pattern to make this warm blanket.
Now for the four shawls that I am working on at the moment. Yes, four shawls that I am rotating in picking them up and working the pattern either crochet or knitting. I have started them because I myself need a healing touch from God. We all need a blessing in the times we are living in and picking up the crochet or knitting needles to bless someone is the key to helping our own pain and suffering. Of course, one need not be religious to understand grief. One can meditate when making a prayer shawl. Zone out in the garden with a cup of tea crocheting or knitting one of these beautiful shawls.
The first shawl is the easiest shawl to crochet. This is the Serene Comfort Shawl from Lion Brand. It takes three balls of Homespun yarn and only uses a half double crochet stitch throughout the pattern. I plan on starting another one soon just because it was so relaxing to make. I love this soft transition of the color “Parfait” in the Homespun yarn. This yarn is not only soft to the touch but retains the warmth when draped over a person. The yarn is 90% acrylic, and it is machine washable. Beginners can enjoy making this wonderful shawl.
The second shawl is the Tranquil Comfort Shawl that uses the V stitch pattern. I have just started this pattern. The V stitch consist of double crochets and chains. I used the color “Purple Haze.” Just look at this regal color below and see the V stitch within the pattern. This shawl has two sections. The second half of the shawl is worked along the opposite side of the foundation chain. This shawl is great to make during the Spring/Summer season.
The third shawl is the garter stitch knitted pattern. I will post picture later of the garter stitch shawl. I used Homespun yarn in the color “Tudor” shown below in the picture. I casted on 68 stitches onto US size 10 circular 29-inch needles. Knit every row until piece is the length you desire or until it has reached 60 inches. Bind off stitches. Any beginner can make this shawl.
The fourth shawl is the Heartfelt Shawl. This pattern uses the knit and purl stitch. It uses the color “Tudor” homespun yarn. It has a nice graduation of color as shown the picture below and interest in the pattern of the stitches.
Give these patterns a try and have a pile ready for someone who needs the warmth while recovering from illness or surgery. You can make one for yourself to use on days when you feel you need a touch of warmth.
Here is a simple prayer to say;
Bless this yarn and these needles. May this shawl be a sign of your healing presence: May it warm those who are weary, surround those who suffer and encircle those who are in pain. May your gentle touch reach out to heal in the light of Christ. Amen.
NOTE: Prayer shawls can be made with any type of number 5 bulky yarn. Check the stats on the yarn you use. Here is Lion Brand Homespun information.
Embroidery needlework at its finest was a skill that many ladies picked up to do in the afternoon or evenings. Whether it was cross stitch or crewel embroidery, time spent sewing designs by hand was once the normal way to embellish the home. In the 1980’s, I went to the Creative Circle parties to purchased embroidery kits like the picture shown on the left. One can still find this vintage pattern on eBay or Esty. It is amazing that unfinished kits still can be found today after 45 years.
Today, we have machine embroidery to replace the skill of doing it by hand. One does not need to know how to stitch the pattern since this is done by the machine. The only skill required is threading the machine. I hear that machine embroidery was develop back in 1964. Of course, this was for the clothing industry in product branding. Now, consumers can do their own product branding as home decor. Just think about the uses of the machine embroidered tulips or the wise owl below.
Back in August of 2022, I purchased my first embroidery machine. I got the Brother SE 1900 sewing machine that has a 5″ x 7″ Hoop Area for embroidery. The machine also has a needle threader, which is the great advantage since one will be changing colors for the designs. The SE 1900 model is discontinued, but one can still find it on the internet. This machine is not just for embroidery, but for regular sewing as well, so the cost is well worth it. It took me a while to become familiar with the machine. I watched YouTube videos to help me learn how to use the machine. I found that if I lose patience, I would just step away from the machine and come back later. Some embroidery designs can take a while to complete when you have to change the color of thread every minute such as the design below.
The machine has its own set of designs, but you can use other designs using a thumb drive. My favorite place to go is Embroidery Designs for patterns. There are different file types for the designs, so one needs to know what the embroidery machine uses. The SE 1900 uses .pes files. The other important thing to consider is the hoop size for the designs. Think about how you will use the design. Below, is a wheelbarrow of flowers design that is used in a quilt.
The sky is the limit they say when it comes to machine embroidery.
Machine embroidery can be used on clothing, tablecloths, pillowcases, aprons, kitchen towels and even pictures such as the hoop to hang on the wall.
Embroidery framed in Hoop
One just needs to find a good embroidery machine that can be used also for regular sewing to make it a good investment. Amazon is still selling the model I have, and one can have special financing. This is what I did three years ago.
Kitchen Towel
Machine embroidery is just another way of being creative. It has multiple uses in home decor. I keep thinking about the possibilities. If you have an embroidery machine, don’t let it sit in some corner. Turn it on and use it.
The joy of quilting pillows is all about color coordination and combination of shapes, sizes, and symmetry. I love to match colors together to display and balance out an image. I don’t always get it right, but for the most part I am satisfied with the outcome. An item should have harmony, similarity, and balance. Just look at the pillows above and you will see a beautiful harmonious balance in shape, color, and form. The key is to place colors opposite of each other to create balance. The pillow below speaks to creating color balance with the middle block being out of balance. Such is the Dr. Who Tardis which can spin out of control in space.
This is a travel pillow I made for my husband. I took an online sewing course to make this pillow. You can make one yourself using 5-inch charm packs or using left over fabric. The travel pillow uses cut 3.5-inch squares to make a pillow size that is 21 inches long by 14.5 inches in height. Give it a go and start cutting out your 3.5-inch squares and lay them out on the table. You can use your own pattern design for the pillow. Just remember to place colors opposite of each other to create balance in your pillow.
Below is another color combination for the travel pillow.
Whatever size cut squares you use will give different results in the total size of the project. You can experiment with different block sizes. Quilted pillows can be made in different square block sizes. Panel, nine patch and object shape pillows such as the heart shape pillow shown below.
Walker Foot Attachment
Quilted pillows have batting underneath the block design before it is quilted on the sewing machine. You do not need a special machine. As long as you are able to add a walker foot attachment to your machine, you can quilt. I have heard instructors say, “it does not matter what machine you use; you can quilt on any machine.” I was able to quilt on my old Singer sewing machine. Below I am sewing up strips of fabric to make a hot pad.
If you decide to make the travel pillow, you will lay out your square cut fabric in the pattern order of rows. Five rows in which you sew together side to side 1/4 inch before you sew the rows together. After you have sewn your squares together in a row, you will press with an iron on the back side having your seams go to the right. Then on the next row, iron your seams to the left before sewing it together on the row above. You can do this for a small block square pillow as well. Ironing the back seams going in opposite ways in each row will keep your top flat and smooth with no lumps. No top stitching on the travel pillow unless you want to practice and try it out. Pick a simple pattern and outline the center squares only.
The next step would be to put on the backing of the pillow. The overlap or envelop pillow back is the simplest way to do this especially if you fear sewing on a zipper. I found this wonderful video that shows you how to do make the envelope pillow backing. Once you got your backing on, it is time to find the insert pillow.
One important thing to consider is the finished pillow size and what size insert to use as well as the different sizes of pillowcases. Just look at the two images below to help you decide what size to buy and use. For the travel pillow I was able to find on Amazon a 15×21 Inch Rectangular Throw Pillow Insert Form.
This easy knitted Ribbed Cowl is a must have for your winter wardrobe. Download the pattern at Lion Brand site. This pattern is worked in the round with knit two and purl two rib pattern. I started earlier this week and did not have much time to work on it, but since it is a thick bulky yarn, it will work up fast. I am halfway through the project. Look at the picture below and see the ribbed pattern. Also note the safety pin that shows the beginning of the round.
The Wool Ease thick & quick yarn is semi-soft to the touch, and it is machine washable. The color I used is night shadow Ombre Nocturne. There are so many colors to choose from, so choose your favorite color. I have casted on 96 stitches instead of 80. This means that I will have a wider circumference. I wanted a looser fit around my neck. There is 20% of wool in the yarn, so if you are allergic you will have to use another bulky #6 yarn. I usually go to the Yarn Substitution website that will give a list of substitution yarns you can use. It will list the closest yarn that is similar. If you follow down the list, you see some acrylic yarns listed such as Yarn Bee Dream Supreme and Premier Basix Super Bulky.
The choice is yours in what you choose. Notice the difference between these two yarns. The Yarn Bee Dream Supreme is the closest to the Lion Brand Wool Ease thick & quick yarn since it is a 2-ply yarn, matches the gauge, and it mentions the softness of the yarn. You can make this ribbed cowl as long as you want. The pattern states about 13 inches for the cast on of 80 stitches and 15 inches long for the cast on of 96 stitches. Just relax when you start until you get your rhythm when knitting. You will soon pick up speed when you are near the halfway point of the garment. It will take more yarn for the larger size. I am almost through the 2nd ball of yarn.
I thought I would share what method I use to add a new ball of yarn to the garment I am knitting. I found the following video that show the method I use. I would leave a longer tail on the pink yarn to weave in later then what is shown in this video.
Checkmate Slouch Hat from Lion Brand is an easy beginner knitted hat. Download the pattern and give it a try. I have kitted more hats than I care to admit. This pattern uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn and size six needles, but what if you are allergic to wool? No problem, we can still knit this hat. I used Red Heart Soft yarn in color light grey heather and size 8-16 inches circular needles. This yarn is machine washable. Just look at the texture in the picture of the checkerboard with a band of stockinette stitch. The circumference is the same 18 1/2 inch. Of course, this does depend on your tension when knitting.
This hat is knitted in the round started with circular needles and moving to double pointed needles for the crown. One tip that I have always used when starting in the round is to add an extra stitch when casting on. I would cast on 89 stitches and then knit the first two Stiches together. The reason why I do this is, so the first stitch does not pull up and have a hole in it. Use a marker or safety pin to mark the first stitch. Move the marker up each round or each checkered section. I am at the spot between the two checkered sections. I am starting the 8 rounds of stockinette stitch.
Below is a video of beginning to knit in the round for you to review.
I am using metal circular needles, which I do not recommend unless you are a real tight knitter. Bamboo needles are the best to keep your stitches even when knitting. The mate to this knitted hat is the knitted cowl at Yarnspirations. It is also knitted in the round using size 8–24-inch circular needles. If you want a looser cowl, check the gauge, which is 16 stitches equals 4 inches. This means that 4 stitches equal 1 inch. If you want your cowl to be circumference you would take 4 x 28 inches, which gives you 112 stitches to cast on. The pattern states to cast on 90 stitches for 22 1/2 in circumference [4 x 22.5=90]. Check your gauge to make sure you get the right size.
When you get to the second decrease is when you move from the circular needle to the double pointed needles. This is in round 9 of the shape crown where you will have 80 stitches. While working off the circular needles, knit the decrease and put 20 stitches onto the four double pointed needles. Keep your beginning stitch safety pin in tack as shown below in picture. Almost done and looking good.
Do you have a passion for quilts and art? Have you ever dreamed about what you wanted to be? As a young child I would pretend to be a teacher, mother, and a vocalist. When we are young, we were told to dream all that we wanted until we reached adulthood. Some of us are told to put our dreams aside for a rainy day, or when we become seniors. Some of us are told,” you can’t make money doing that.” Everyone has a say into what you can and cannot do. What it boils down to is you decide what your passion will be in life.
If you put aside the money aspect of the equation, what are you passionate about? What gets you excited when you see something and want to be involved in being a part of that something. As a child we play acted to see if we really like being that person. It has nothing to do with money, it is finding out what we enjoy doing. It is called spreading our wings to fly and learn about something new and if it is a good fit. Many times, hobbies can be turned into a business; however, if the business becomes a headache and you are not able to delegate out certain tasks, then you better step back and keep it as a hobby.
A passion develops when you become a part of doing something you enjoy. It fuels your energy and keeps you going. That passion becomes your enthusiasm to share it with others. It is like the song sung by Jimmy Durante, “Make Someone Happy.” Make a difference in someone life. Contribute your passion to provide a niche, a place, a new product, or service. The purpose is to grow in your market and enjoy the process of growing. I am always learning something new and gaining new skills. I like to learn the nuts and bolts of a business so I can better understand what makes it thrive. People will either like it or not. Do not worry about the “or not.” Think about how the art world is still a vital part of our society. There are so many mediums in the art world, and more are added to the list each year. It’s not just acrylic and oil paintings, but now it is a multitude of mediums used to create something new. Even Quilting has joined the art world.
Who would have thought that Quilting would become an art form? Does quilts have some of the elements of art. Let us list some of the elements.
Shape
Texture
Color
Value
Form
Yes, making quilts does have the same elements as art. From the drawing board to the actual finished project such as the heart block shown in the picture below.
What about Rug Latch Hooking? Let me tell you back in my day it was one of the most popular crafts to do, and at a reasonable price too. Today, this is not the case; however, you can still find kits on sale to buy, or check out eBay for rug latch kits. Let’s go back to a little bit of history. It is hard to believe that rug hooking may have started before the 1920’s probably the 1800’s since rug making was a genuine tradesman craft. It was once considered the poor man’s craft, although I never considered that rugs- making was a poor man’s craft. The famous spring-loaded rug latch hook designed by E.K Rules was created in 1929. Wool rugs were popular back in the 20’s while the use of synthetic yarns such as acrylic became popular in the 1970’s. This is when the patented hook by Eugene Thomas Barker of La Porte was the new great tool to use in rug latching.
I started in the 80’s after getting embroidery kits from Creative Circle, but that is another story. Rug latching maybe one craft that was done by both genders, although to some it was considered more a women’s craft. In the 70’s and 80’s it was a viable hobby with a number of companies making kits such as WonderArt, National Yarn Crafts, Bucilla, Caron, and Mary Maxim. I have seen kits in many hobby stores throughout Washington State. The craft of rug latch is mentioned in the 1982 book titled, “Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework.” It is also mentioned in the 1994 book “The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts.” Both books are my favorite reference book that I keep on my shelve at home.
For some reason to which I cannot understand, is the time of year that I usually think about doing rug latch hooking. For some people this needlecraft would be done in the winter months, but I find I enjoy doing it in the early spring to summer months. Guess where I like doing this needlecraft? Outdoors! Yes, outdoors on the patio table. This way, I get fresh air and some sun for vitamin D. Have you heard of John Denver’s song “Sunshine on my shoulders, makes me happy?” We are talking about keeping calm and doing crafts. We are talking about letting the stress roll off of our shoulders and warming up with the sun’s rays. This is crafting outdoor at its very best. Those early days of rug making was also done outdoors’s in the fresh air. Sometimes it seems I cannot get enough fresh air. I’d have to say the one thing that would keep me from camping is spider’s, especially the brown recluse spider, and that is no joke. The venom of the brown recluse spider kills living tissue and most of the time requires medical attention.
Ok, enough about spider’s back to rug latching. Today, you can find kits for kids to do that come fully loaded with canvas, yarn, and hook along with instructions. Some kits come with the printed design on the canvas and some kits come with a plain canvas with blue lines of squares to help count and place the design, but no rug latch hook. The rug latch hook in most cases you have to purchased separately. I have found that the printed design is not always accurate and maybe off by one or more counts compared to the printed instructions within the kit. This was the case when I started the WonderArt “Daisy” 12-inch rug latch kit. No matter what kit you use, the first thing you need to do is look at the color key symbols and match your yarn color with the color key. I line my yarn color right by the key and tape it down on the instructions.
The next thing to do is to find the starting point. Some like to start at the top and some like to start at the bottom. Wherever to start you must keep at that direction for the pattern. Usually, you start at the bottom left-hand side of the canvas. This way you count the small squares on the diagram where the symbols are for the color of the design. When I have finished the first row of the color symbol of the design, I use a yellow highlighter to mark that row as finished. You can see this is the above picture. This way I will always know where I left off. If I have left off at only half of the next row, which in my case was 20 squares, I will only mark off 20 squares in the color design.
There are several methods used for rug latch hooking, but I have only used the Smyrna Knot Method, which states as important, “not to fill in portions of the design here and there. Complete each row of knots before starting the next row.” Why? So that all the knots will lie in the same direction. You will get a nice even look on the rug when finished. Just look at the picture above and you will see how this method is done. I have found the Smyrna Knot Method to be the best method as long as you are consistent when rug latching each row.
Finishing the rug has been somewhat a mystery to me. Most of my rug latch projects was stretched on a bar and stapled to be hung on the wall. I used Edmunds Regular Stretcher Bars for Needle Art and the bars come in many different sizes. I have also used rug latch binding and folded over the sides and hand sewed the binding onto the canvas. I have also heard of overcasting the edge of the canvas to cover each hole with matching thread and needle, but I have not done this method. I wanted to try the liquid backing for rugs, but this may be too toxic for some who have allergies to chemicals. One can also use Non-Slip Rug Pad Grippers and double tape or sew to back of rug to prevent slippage. Care and cleaning are not a big deal.
The best way to clean your rug latch project is to fill your tub with lukewarm water with some liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid and lay your rug in and swishing side to side or back and forth. I also lift up and down through the water in the tub as well. Then rinse doing the same thing as lifting up and down and swishing side to side before laying it down flat to dry. I like to lay mine out on a table in the sunshine. It will dry in no time and be fresh and clean.
I hope you give rug latch hook a try. Just buy a small kit to work on outdoors on your patio and relax with your cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Keep Calm and Craft On.
Watch the video on how to latch hook by Mary Maxim.
