Wild Child

For the last 16 years we (my sister in laws and I) have made 21st quilts for Nephews and Nieces.  We have been behind schedule, however I have just completed one for my Son who will be 21 in May.
I've called this quilt Wild Child because he's very physical and has spent time in hospital resulting from down hill mountain bike crashes.

He left home last year and left behind 12 flannel shirts that he had out grown.  I unpicked these and  Elaine (my sister in law) has very cleverly pieced the back.

The fabric on the front is called Juggling Summer from Zen Chic.  My personal challenge was to use a whole series in a quilt.  I don't know where the origin of the quilt design came from.  I have seen it made in black and white which was very stunning.

We have also made him a cushion and a door draft stopper with the left over fabrics.

Loyal Pattern Prints

Naturally Loyal have launched a new range of wool in 8ply - pattern prints.    As you knit - the wool changes colour to form patterns.  Very different from a variegated coloured wool.

I have made this scarf for my 20 year old son.  To make this I casted on 40 stitches and knitted in garter stitch (every row is knit) to give a thicker feel to the scarf.  The key to having straight edges is to slip the first stitch and knit into the back of the last stitch in every row.
For the length of this scarf I knitted up 5 x 50gm balls of wool and used 1/2 of the 6th ball to make the tassels.

To make the tassels, wind your wool around a piece of
cardboard 4" wide  (I didn't have access to
cardboard at the time so I used an
 advertising flyer - cardboard is best as it doesn't bend).

cut along one edge.

Loop three strands over a crotchet hook

Pull looped strands through edge stitch of scarf.

then pull all the strands (6) through the loop 



Pull and straighten knot. 

I think each tassel should sit next to each other rather than have gaps.  I'm delighted with this result.  Just hope my young man likes it to.
Happy knitting.



Zipper Flowers - Zip de Bloom

This piece is called "Zip de Bloom".  Each flower and insect is made from zips.  Metal zips can be very costly and restricting in their colour range.  I have managed to successfully dye metal zips with a polyester dye supplied by Made on Marion in Wellington NZ.  Key to a successful zip flower is ensuring you use matching thread.

Close up of my insects.  If you enjoy handwork then give this art form a go.

Beginners Class - first for 2014

Its always exciting starting up a beginners class.  Students go through a mix of emotions and leave delighted with their first blocks sewn.

 



 

A tip when selecting your fabrics.  Take a photograph (use your phone camera) of your fabrics to see what works and what doesn't.  Some fabrics are more dominant than others so doing this will definitely help you with your selection.  

 

A lot of quilt patterns require you to make up blocks, lay them out and sew them together to complete the top.  In the case of this cot quilt (above), it was important that the red be distributed proportionally to ensure balance.  If you don't have access to a design wall, then use your camera to try out different layouts.

I'm about to go on holiday for a couple of weeks so will definitely have sewing machine withdrawal.  I am playing around with a couple of knitting projects and will post these when I get back.

Take care,