Ta Dah!!!!!

 The largest of the fusion quilts is done!!  This one will be residing on the back of our living room couch ready for use when we feel chilly.  Now on to finishing the two smaller ones that will go on the headrests on our comfie chairs.  

and this shows the main fabric which I used on the back...

The fabric I used is the Nantucket Summer line from Moda fabrics and the yarn is Mary Maxim Mellowspun DK.  I initially bought a pack of 10" squares of the fabric and realized that 10" would make the blocks too large so I cut them into 5" squares.  If I had to do it over again I would prefer to have purchased fat quarters and cut them a bit larger - 7"  or 8" would be ideal I think.  

- I know some of you aren't ready to see Christmas ideas, but when I come across something I want to share before I forget about it.  So THIS would make amazing teacher gifts, next door neighbour gifts and all sorts of other 'little' gift giving occasions.  Doesn't have to be Christmas-themed either.

- If you have leftover Halloween candy, perhaps you could make one of THESE.

- There are several fun patterns available HERE for coffee/tea themed projects, both paper pieced and done with wool.

- THIS is a cute little project that would have lots of uses.

Today's quote..."Turn off the news.  Go outside.  Breathe.  We were not meant to carry the burden of the entire world"

Stash reduction, of sorts

 My drawer of #4 weight yarn is overflowing with small 'bits of balls' and, since I hate throwing yarn out, I decided that I would make small donation blankets for the humane society.  A search online led to a size suggestion of 24x24".  So far I've done two and a third (and likely the last, at least for now) is well underway.  Just a simple granny square works fine.

- THIS would make a wonderful gift for a neighbour, a senior, or someone who works long hours.

- A selection of THESE would make a great gift too (scroll down for the recipe)

- Be sure to invite me over if you decide to make THIS!!!! Or THIS!!

- There are multiple links HERE to recipes for making truffles (note - see above)

- I think we might try to make some of THIS 

- Perhaps one of THESE ideas would make a nice gift?

- There are some fun ideas HERE for your Christmas decor.

- HERE is another nice idea for a gift, especially if it came with perhaps a book or some bubble bath.

- THIS is a fun idea for presenting a gift of fudge.

Today's quote..."This year, instead of worrying about what's under the tree, just maybe be grateful for who's still here to be around it"

What is a grandma to do?

 This grandma made the mistake of looking for a crochet project to play with because she was getting a bit tired of knitting.  So, what to her wondering eyes did appear....but this....

And, before you ask, it's a gift bag that measures approx. 16" high and the pattern can be found HERE.  I used Bernat Softee Chunky throughout.  Now, stay tuned, because heaven help Grandma if she doesn't make more.

- THIS looks like a fun project.

- Have a peek at the gallery of THIS artist!

- I think THIS idea for an easel would be a handy thing to remember (scroll down for the easel part)

- Have a peek through the galleries of THIS artist.

- HERE is something you could try doing with your used dryer sheets.

Today's quote..."Your life is made of two dates and a dash.  Make the most of the dash"

and now....for something entirely different.....

 How about some crocheting??

The pattern is THIS one and made using stash.

Now residing in the Christmas box.

- You might find THIS a good thing to keep in mind for next time you need to sew on buttons.

- THIS is one of my awwwww moments.

- I enjoyed reading THIS.

- Have a peek at THESE amazing creations.

The quote is from Russell Baker..."Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it"

Yay!!

 The last Christmas present is finished!!  The butter tarts are baked (and, for once, RC listened to me and only made a small batch).  Heaven help him if there are no butter tarts.  I even completed most of the wrapping over the weekend AND the Christmas cards are addressed and ready to mail.  Now I can exhale and play with my new sewing machine to see how it performs doing landscapes.

One of the final gifts to be completed is this...

Pattern is THIS one and I added a bit more length to the dress.  Paton's Canadiana yarn from my stash.

*****

Complete change of topic but I wanted to share something I wrote in an email in response to a comment Jocelyn made...."..enjoyment is totally in the making..."  That resonates with me because that's exactly how I feel.  My friends are often astounded that I will spend hours and hours on a project, only to happily give it away without a second thought.  Of course, having said that, I'm a complete lesson in contradictions because I truly do want to sell my landscapes rather than give them away (although I have given some).  For me, it comes down to the distinction between 'craft' (thus giveable) and 'art' (saleable).  I don't suppose that makes a whole lot of sense does it!!  

Please share in the comments how you feel about this because I would be interested in knowing your thoughts.

******

- If you like fudge, or plan to make some for gifting, perhaps THIS round up of recipies might intrique you (scroll down to see all the different varieties).  And, if you have a hankering for some truffles, perhaps one of THESE might be just what you'd like.

- THIS would be a fun little project!

- THESE would make a lovely little gift.

- So would THESE!

- I know THIS is a paid pattern but I thought it was worth sharing anyway.

Today's quote..."We live on a blue planet that circles around a ball of fire next to a moon that moves the sea, and you don't believe in miracles?

Another thing checked off my list

 One of our grandies loves Catboy from PJ Masks so of course what is a grandma to do but try to make him one for Christmas.  This is the result...

Pattern is THIS one, yarn from my stash (mostly Paton's Canadiana I think). 

I also made one of these - again using scrap yarn I had on hand.  Pattern for that is HERE.  I liked that this one has a bottom which many of them don't.

- Perhaps you'll find an idea HERE for some gift-giving this year (thanks to Jocelyn for this one!).

- Although THIS is a to-purchase pattern, it made me laugh so I had to share.

- I've been curious how THESE are made and this tutorial spells it out.

- Scroll down HERE to see just what caught my eye!

Today's quote is one of those things about words that I find interesting...

Having fun

 I'm having fun playing with yarn and a crochet hook and working on a couple of wee toys for the grandies.  This is the first one...

Pattern is THIS one.  Jury is out whether or not it actually looks like the Creeper from Minecraft and I'm trying to figure a way to make the head appear 'square-er'.  Had I thought ahead (hah, pun not intended there!) I should have put something like plastic canvas inside to help it hold the shape.  Thinking hat is on....

- THIS is a rather cute little Santa cross stitch design.  And there are more cute ones HERE.  

- THIS was an awww moment (alas no instructions or even who made it).

- THIS would make a nice little gift if it were accompanied by a new mug and perhaps filled with hot chocolate packets.

When I came across this I had to share it - there are some good ones!

Stitching, but not showing (for now)

 I've been working at the embroidery on the landscape but alas the part I'm working on isn't quite ready to be unveiled just yet.  While casting about for something I could show you today I remembered that I hadn't shared the finish of the second crochet fusion quilt, so here it is...

I flipped one corner up so you could see the back.  

- THIS made me laugh!

- And I found THIS quite intriguing.  While you're there, have a peek through her pages of tutorials for all sorts of things, beginning HERE

- You might enjoy a peek through the galleries HERE.

Today the quote is a Tibetan proverb..."The secret to living well and longer is:  eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure"

Another finish

 It's almost impossible to get a decent picture for you, and this is the best I can do...

This little puffer fish measures about 8" from his mouth to the tip of his tail.  Our 3 year old grandie loves the 'Pout Pout Fish' books which are based on a puffer fish so I thought he needed a stuffie that resembles one.  Pattern is THIS one.  It's an English pattern so I had to convert it to Canadian/US crochet terms.  

And, when I was going back through my blog I came across the first 'idea' I had for The Quilt.  Very glad I didn't go with it as you can see from this...

- Now that we're all pretty much back to carrying our own bags to do our shopping, perhaps one or more of THESE might come in handy.

- Summer is approaching on this side of the world, so one of THESE might be a good addition to your wardrobe.  There are more possibilities HERE. 

- THIS looks like such a fun project that adults and kids alike would have fun doing.

- HERE is another great little project.

Today the quote is by Terry Tempest Williams..."Once upon a time there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy.  The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated"

Another finish

 I just realized that I forgot to show you the finished crochet fusion quilt project...

And here are a couple (poor photos, sadly!) closeups...

Above shows the actual pattern, and to the right you can hopefully see the border I used for the outside.  

- HERE is one of my 'awwww's' and there's another one HERE (I know it's a paid pattern but it's still an 'awwwww')

- If you don't like moths, don't look at THIS!

- I like THIS little guy!  I don't need another dragon overseeing my sewing room but if I did, I'd be tempted.

- Proof that people can make art out of pretty much anything - go HERE. 

Today the quote is from Maya Angelou..."Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself - and then stand up for somebody else"

A teeny little finish

 Some of you may remember I shared a link to making a Lego-themed tissue box cover and I simply couldn't resist making one for my oldest grandie who is rather obsessed with Lego.  

The tutorial I used came from HERE.

- As a new year starts there's always some discussion surrounding the making of temperature blankets/quilts.  THIS is a new take on it that I think would be much more doable.

- If you're a fan of Halloween you might like to have a look at THIS.  I should have highlighted it in January so the window for getting those patterns for free is over, but you can get the rest of the year as new releases every month (and the January ones are available for a nominal fee)

- Sometimes I come across something that intrigues me and THIS is one of those things.  I don't want to actually DO what she's done but the concept is fascinating.

- After sharing that little bitty hexie project in the my last post, THIS popped up.  It just boggles the mind.

Here is your quote for the day..."There are no limits to what you can accomplish when you're supposed to be doing something else"

Cut, cut, stitch

 Remember the fabrics I showed you on Friday?  Well over the weekend they were turned into these....

All ready to be buttonhole stitched
as the base for adding the crochet 'borders'.
Yarn is on order for that.

And, speaking of yarn, over the weekend I finished Resident Chef's afghan and he has pronounced it toasty and warm.  Mission solved (plus it served the double purpose of using up a whole lot of yarn!).

- THIS is most definitely being printed and saved for making for the Christmas box!  I love the design and the fact that it covers a multitude of sizes.

- If you have fabric scraps (hah...IF!!!) perhaps you'd like to make some of THESE.

- I know that patterns and tutorials for tote bags abound around the internet, but THIS one has really good directions with great photos AND there's a good printable as well.

- Have a look through all the fun free ideas to be found HERE.  Best pour yourself a cuppa because it might take you awhile!  Each 'section' takes a second or two to load (or did on my computer) so be patient.

Today's quote...

Completed set

 I had leftover yarn from making this hat that I showed you previously so thought I might as well use it up and made another of the scarves to go along with it...

If you want the scarf pattern, I posted it HERE.

And the latest thing to come out of Resident Chef's kitchen (he and his new Kitchenaid are very busy!)...

These are called Martha Washington candies and the recipe can be found HERE.

Today the quote is by Leo Buscaglia..."Don't spend your precious time asking "Why isn't the world a better place?"  It will only be time wasted.  The question to ask is "How can I make it better?".  To that there is an answer.

Perhaps a monster - for Halloween?

 

This fellow was cobbled together trying to use up the leftover Bernat Blanket yarn from the previous two (much larger!) monster pillows I made.  I still have some of the green left but not enough to really make anything.  This guy measures about 17" tall.  There's no real pattern - the body and feet were from one, the arms from another, the horn from another and the eye more or less from the eyes used for the other monsters I made.  

Today the quote is from an unknown source..."If the broom fits, ride it!"

...and....there's more!!!

 Two more projects from my crochet hooks to add to the Christmas box...

Hat is THIS one and the cowl is from HERE.  I used Caron Simply Soft for both.

Today's quote is from Sir David Attenborough..."If working apart we're a force powerful enough to destabilize our planet, surely, working together, we are powerful enough to save it"

They're multiplying!

 It seems like one hat from that pattern has turned into three - two for adults and one for our baby grandie.  I left the ear flaps off the adult versions and I didn't include the ties on the baby one, simply because I don't feel that they're particularly safe.  

Today the quote is from Zig Ziglar..."Life is an echo.  What you send out, comes back.  What you sow, you reap.  What you give, you get.  What you see in others, exists in you.  Remember, life is an echo.  It always gets back to you.  So give goodness"

A recipe for you to try

 Resident Chef made these yummy refrigerator pickles and we've very patiently waited the alloted time to give them a taste test and they certainly passed with flying colours.  Thought you might like to give them a try too...

REFRIGERATOR PICKLES

1 c. vinegar (white or apple cider)
1 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 T. of EITHER fresh garlic, sliced chilies, peppercorns, pickling spice, mustard seeds, bay leaves, coriander seeds – or mixture of your choice.
1 heaping tsp. kosher salt
2 lbs. veggies:  cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, pearl onions, sliced red or sweet onions, or carrots

Peel & slice veg’s into ¼” slices & pack into clean jars, leaving about 1” headspace.
Heat water, sugar, spices & salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally until dissolved.  LET COOL COMPLETELY.  Pour cooled brine over veg’s making sure they’re completely covered.  Cover & refrigerate 3 days before serving. Keep refrigerated (unless, of course, you're eating them!).  Makes 2 quart jars.

p.s. if you scroll down to my post of Aug. 12th you'll see a picture of the jars he made.

My crochet hooks have been busy and the latest thing off the hook is this hat...

Pattern is from HERE and I used Paton's Canadiana.  I love that the pattern covers sizing from a baby up to adult (this one is the adult size).The pattern takes a little less than one ball so quite a cheap project to add to the Christmas box.

Today's quote..."We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children"

The great mystery - revealed!

 Lots of people thought I was making hats.  Nope.  It should come as no surprise that it would be something for the grandies though and so here you have it....

Pattern is called the 'Monster Pillow Buddy' and can be found HERE. Yarn is the Bernat Blanket Bright series and used a 9 mm crochet hook.  Not exactly something I plan to make more of because it's quite hard on my hands but it was sure fun to do!  Oh....and they each measure about 30"  tall.  A good addition to the Christmas box!

Today's quote..."A seed grows with no sound but a tree falls with a huge noise.  Destruction has noise, but creation is quiet.  This is the power of silence"

Wee knit

 This is a really simple quick crochet hat that I whipped up for our wee one to wear in the fall and winter.  

Yarn is Bernat Blanket Yarn and the pattern can be found HERE.

Today the quote is from Suzanne Collins..."Live your life.  Take chances, be crazy.  Don't wait.  Because right now is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you'll be ever again"