Catching up with finishes galore!

I can't believe it's been two months since we've had a visit!  We've got a lot of catching up to do.  I'll start with the cross stitch things first because I know that's the reason most of you visit.  I'll most likely do a separate post of the knitting finishes so the stitcher's don't have to be bored with my knitting natter.  So here we go!  I'll start with the oldest and work up to the most recent.

Design: Happy Hearts freebie

Designer: Little House Needleworks

Fabric:  32 ct. WDW Cocoa

Floss:  DMC as charted

Started:  2/12/17

Finished:  2/23/17

Completed:  3/31/17

You may have seen other versions of this finish floating around blogs and Flosstube.  I was fortunate enough to take a couple finishing classes with the Twisted Stitcher, Her Very Self back in the spring at a retreat in Indiana.  This was our class project.  I really love how it turned out and I am definitely going to do this finish again.  Vonna showed us how to make her lovely bows and the two color twisted cording is the bee's knees.   A fun nugget she shared with us was that she likes to make ornaments "palm sized" so they show up better on the tree.  I'd never thought about that but it does make sense.

Design:  The Flagmaker freebie

Designer:  Notforgotten Farm

Fabric: 32 ct. Vintage Cedar Plank

Floss:  DMC as charted

Started:  1/14/17

Finished:  2/11/17

Completed:  4/1/17

This was my second finishing class with Vonna that weekend.  You can't tell from the picture but it is a flat fold.  I'm sure you've seen this one on Flosstube too. The construction on this was super cool.  Ms.Vonna is a genius...but then again, you all know that by now!  I am now an official graduate of Vonna's Finishing School.  I even have a needle minder to prove it gifted to me by The Master!  LOL!  Vonna knows I'm just messing with her.  She and I spent a lot of time together that weekend and we had a ton of fun.  I'm looking forward to doing it again too.

Design:  Watermelon

Designer:  Charted by me, designer unknown

Fabric:  10 ct. Cream Tula

Floss:  DMC

Started:  6/6/16

Finished:  6/25/17

Completed:  TBD

If you've read my blog for any length of time you know this finish is a long time coming.  I had originally started this one 5/1/11 using Monk's cloth.  Yes, that was a really stupid idea and thus a redo was necessary.  You see, the Monk's cloth began shredding on me midway though.  I put it away for a long while and then it called to me again so I restarted it on the Tula.  Much. Better. Choice!

I charted this from a picture I took of a pillow a friend of mine had in her sun room.  She said it was a gift and didn't know if it was commercially made or not.  If anyone knows who the original designer is for this, please give me a shout. I plan to eventually make it into a pillow like the original.  Now if only I had a sun room!

Design:  Chocolate Box

Designer:  Little House Needleworks

Fabric:  32 ct. Touch of Pink

Floss:  As charted

Started:  1/1/17

Finished:  6/25/17

Completed:  TBD

Last but not least, my Chocolate Box!  As you can see this was my New Year's Day start this year.  I'm so in love with this one.  That pink fabric is just so me.  I love it so much.  I decided to veer off the beaten path with this one and added a little bling.  I couldn't resist adding white beads to the border and pink beads where the designer called for French knots.  I think it really adds some nice sparkle.  I plan to finish this as a cube.  I still need to find some "just right" fabric for the finish.

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Even though I've been missing, I have been stitching (and knitting too).  I started "But First Tea" by Zindagi Designs on 4/16/17.  I'll show that one next time.  I'm making good progress on it.  I'm also tempted to start a couple other ones too.  Hmm...

So folks if you've made it this far, I'm so glad you are still here.  I'll pop back in when I have time or something to share.  I hope everyone has a great July 4th holiday.  I plan to enjoy my holiday away from the rat race, relax and stitch/knit all the things!  Hope you do too.

More next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Knitting Update - April

I haven't shared a knitting update for a while and I thought I would take time to do that here.  So since we last chatted about knitting, I've finished several things and started a few more.

I'm most thrilled to have finished my very first pair of socks!  I couldn't be more pleased!  These are so squishy.  Every single part of the construction of these was a learning experience with the exception of the ribbed cuffs and the knit stitch.

Next up, another pair of socks!  Yes, I couldn't resist starting another pair.  I actually started these just after I finished the first sock of the pair above.  I call these my Candy Socks.  They are knit with Regia Pairfect yarn.  The yellow bit you see in the picture tells you where to start the next sock.  It's brilliant!  This one actually has the heel in it now but I haven't taken a proper picture of it.  This heel uses a different technique than the first pair I knit.  It's called the "Fish Lips Kiss" heel.  I'll report back on the fit when they are done.

My next finish is a cowl knit with Fyberspates Cumulus yarn which is made from alpaca and silk. I'm calling this one my Cumulus Cowl.  Let me tell you, this feels like a cloud.  It's so light and fluffy.  I know it looks like a giant tube top in the picture but trust me, it's a cowl.  I wouldn't do that to the public.  Nobody wants to see me in a tube top, lawd no!

The final thing is going to be a stuffed bee!  I couldn't resist this one.  It's also my first attempt at amigurumi and doing a couple different increases and decreases than the ones I leaned on the socks. I'm using those little Lion Brand Bon Bons you get at Joann's.  The ones I chose are the cotton version.  It's working up much easier than I'd anticipated.  I need to knit the wings and antennae as well as embroider it's face.  I think it's going to be really cute.

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So there you have it folks, my knitting update.  My needles have certainly been busy and I'm having an incredible amount of fun.  I'm still making time for my cross stitch too but admittedly the knitting has taken the front seat right now.  It's all good...right?!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you are all well.

More next time,
The Inspired Stitcher

TUSAL - March

Well folks here we are again, it's time for the March TUSAL report.  If you are new here and unsure what that means, go here to see the definition of TUSAL.  I use this as an opportunity to keep track of my progress from month to month.  So what's been happening this past month?

This month's contributor was:

"Chocolate Box" by Little House Needleworks (In Progress)

Still in WIP stage:

"Letters from Mermaids - E" by Nora Corbett to be made into an "L" (Didn't work on it this month)
"Mermaid Scissor Fob freebie" by Cross Stitch Happy (Didn't work on it this month)

I really have no excuse for not getting the scissor fob done.  I guess I just wasn't feeling it or something.  I don't have any idea what's my deal is with the Nora mermaid either.  So....

Since I only worked on "Chocolate Box" this past month, I thought you might like to see a progress picture.  I'm planning to put some beads on this instead of knots and confetti stitches.  I think the bling will give it some pizazz.  I've got the cream colored beads I want to use for the outer border (yet to be stitched) and will look for some pink ones (for the tops of a couple chocolate pieces) at a new-to-me shop I'll visit the end of the week.  More on that next time.

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So what has captured my attention if it isn't stitching?  Yep, you guessed it...knitting! I know this is a disappointment to the non-knitters in the crowd.  What can I say, I'm obsessed right now!  I've been learning so many new things, it's wonderful.  Anyone who knows me knows I have a thing for learning.  So I've really been having a lot of fun lately.

I finished my first sock ever!  I'm still in awe of that and I've started its mate.  I've also started another "pair," actually just one but it will be a pair eventually, using some interesting self-striping yarn.  I also started another cowl and some finger-less mitts.  Yes, my hands have been quite busy.

I need to get one of these finished because I'm not comfortable having this many things going at once.  Yes, that's the same way I feel about my stitching.  It's my own brand of crazy and I'm okay with it.  It works for me!

So, it's a short and sweet TUSAL this month.  I can hardly believe the end of March is here already.  I hope whatever you are working on you are enjoying.  I appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to spend a few minutes with me here. Hope your week is good!

More next time,
The Inspired Stitcher

Knitting Update

I've had a knitting finish since we last visited!  I wanted to share it as well as update you on my other knittiness.  So first up...the finish!

Design: Oats Cowl (Adult Long Version)

Designer: Tin Can Knits

Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Solids, Heathers & Twists

Colorway: Patchwork Grey

Needles:  Knitter's Pride Nova Platina Interchangeables US 8 (5mm) on a 32" cord

Started:  1/29/17

Finished: 3/3/17

Last Friday night I bound off my Oats Cowl!  I really, really wanted to be able to wear it to my sock class on Saturday morning.  Luckily enough, the weather turned cold again so it was perfect (never thought I'd be wishing for a cold day).  It had been a warm week!

Here's a detail shot so you can see the stitch patterns.  Overall, I'd say this is definitely a good beginner's pattern.  The yarn, I'd rate as just okay.  The colored bits were wrapped around a central grey twist and were pretty "splitty." I do like how the colors distributed though.

If I were to do this one again, I'd also do a stretchier bind off.  There is a definite difference in the cast on side and the bind off side.  The good thing is this is a cowl so it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.  Just something to note.

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Next up, there has been much progress on the sock!  I now have two classes under my belt. I'm still in awe that I'm actually knitting a sock.  Me...a sock knitter!  What?!

This was immediately after Class #1.  As in, I'm in the car taking this picture...in the LYS parking lot.  Yes, I'm a nerd!  No, I really don't care who knows it.  I was all geeked up!  LOL!

This is the stopping point I was to get to before class #2.  I got a bit carried away and knit an 8" leg. I have plenty of yarn and I do like my socks a bit on the taller side so it's all good.  I found that working with four double pointed needles really isn't that hard to do.  I actually really like it a lot.

Here I am last Saturday after Class #2!  OMG, can we just talk about that heel?!  I. DID. THAT!

Here's a close up 'cause y'all just gotta look at this!  I'm still amazed!

We worked a heel flap, turned the heel, picked up stitches and worked the gusset.  I'm sure the veteran sock knitters out there are giggling at me right now.  I can't contain myself.  I learned so much new stuff last Saturday.  Holy smokes!

I had the most patient encouraging teacher too.  The folks at my LYS are so kind and helpful.  I ended up spending the whole day there because I was having so much fun I didn't want to leave and they didn't care one bit.  Isn't that just the coolest?!

So yeah, I'm pretty fired up about my sock.  I can't wait until next Saturday's class when we learn to do the toe.  I've already got my homework done and ready to go.  I really really want to get going on that second sock!  I'm gonna wear these babies proudly!  Woo hoo!!

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Since I finished the cowl and my sock is as far as I can go with it for now, I had to start something new.  One can not be without something to knit dontcha know!  My teacher was pulling yarn for a new start last Saturday and I kinda fell in love with it too.  She kindly wrote the "pattern" down on a post-it for me and set me up with the supplies.  I cast it on yesterday at lunch.  It's another basic cowl. 

I'm using Fyberspates "Cumulus" yarn.  There's no real pattern so I'm going to call it my "Cumulus Cowl." This yarn is the softest thing I've ever touched that wasn't alive.  I'm talking soft as a bunny and light as a cloud...probably why they named it Cumulus.  LOL!  It's 74% Baby Suri Alpaca and 26% Mulberry Silk if you can imagine that.

I haven't gotten more than a few rows in so it doesn't look like anything yet.  I'll post a picture when it's a bit further along.  The sample I saw was scrumptious!

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Well folks, there you have it.  What's been going on in my world lately.  I've stitched a bit on the chocolate box and will work on it again tomorrow since the Guild is having a meeting.  Of course there will be more knitting too!  Thanks for vising with me today.  I hope your weekend is great!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

TUSAL - February

Well folks another month has flown past us!  I'm back for the February TUSAL report.  If you are new here and unsure what that means, go here to see the definition of TUSAL.  I use this as an opportunity to keep track of my progress from month to month.  So let's get on with it, shall we?

This month's contributors were:

"I Sigh Not for Beauty" by C Street Samplers (DONE!!)
"Watermelon" charted by me (Bagged until summer)
"Letters from Mermaids - E" by Nora Corbett to be made into an "L" (Didn't work on it this month)
"Mermaid Scissor Fob freebie" by Cross Stitch Happy (Didn't work on it this month)
"Chocolate Box" by Little House Needleworks (In Progress)
"Flag Maker freebie" by Notforgotten Farm (DONE!)
"Happy Hearts freebie" by Little House Needleworks (DONE!)

I'm really happy about having some finishes this past month.  I'm especially happy to have "Beauty" finally done.  It really is a pretty sampler and it seemed a shame to not finish her up.  I'm hoping to have a couple more finishes soon too.  I worked on "Chocolate Box" all weekend and am seeing some nice progress.  I just love the pink fabric I chose!  I'll have to do a progress post soon.

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On the knitting front, I've had a couple starts and have made some really nice progress on them as well.  Here they are:

"Oats Cowl" by Tin Can Knits (In Progress)
"Adult Basic Sock" by Dierdre Wallace (In Progress)

I started knitting the "Oats Cowl" as my lunchtime knit.  I'm almost halfway done with it maybe more.  You know how Prairie Schooler patterns are comfort stitching, this one feels like a comfort knit.  It's a lot of straight knitting in the round with a bit of garter stitch thrown in for interest.  It's nice and squishy.

Can we just talk about the sock?  THE SOCK!!!  I cannot believe I am actually knitting a sock.  I owe much gratitude to Carol Fun, sock knitting extraordinaire, for her encouragement!  Girlfriend, you rock!  I am so in love with the yarn I picked too.  I'm doing this as a class at the LYS.  I can't wait for our next class session this Saturday.  We are going to work on turning the heel.  Can. Not. Wait!

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I'm finding myself having to choose how I want to split my time now that I've become a knitter too.  It's a good problem to have.  You know why?  It means my creative mojo is in full force and flowing strong.  I haven't felt this creative in a very long time and I'm over the moon about it.

I hope you all are having fun with whatever you choose to do in your creative world.  Thanks for stopping by today.  I appreciate your visits.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

January Knitting Finishes

So as promised for the knitters in the group, I'm back with my January knitting finishes.  I got two projects finished!  Let's have a look.

 Design: "Liberty Cowl"

Designer: Nora, owner of Lambikin's Hideaway

Yarn: Classic Elite Liberty Wool in "Magic Carpet"

Needles: Knitter's Pride#7 (4.5mm)  Nova Platina tips with a 24" cord 

Started:  1/7/17

Finished:  1/18/17

This was a really fun knit.  I especially liked the yarn I picked.  I enjoyed seeing the colors change as I went along.  I found myself wanting to knit "just one more row" to see how they would look together.  This was my first time knitting in the round and I really liked it.  I'm still puzzled how doing the knit stitch on circulars produces a stockinette but using straight needles you have to go every other row with the knit stitch to get stockinette.  Newbie mysteries!

Design: "Garter Stitch Dishcloth" #3

Designer: Interweave Press

Yarn: Lily Sugar and Cream in Hot Green

Needles:  Knitter's Pride#7 (4.5mm)  Nova Platina tips with a 24" cord

Started:  1/18/17

Finished: 1/20/17

After finishing the cowl, I really wanted to start something new but since I don't have a stash, I was at a loss. I know Carol Fun is giggling right now.  Yes, I'll probably end up with a yarn stash too at some point.  It's pretty inevitable.

So anywho, I still had some of the cotton yarn that was gifted to me for my birthday so I cast on another dishcloth.  I decided to try using the same needles as I used for the cowl.  I'd seen folks on YouTube using circulars for straight knitting and I decided to try it for myself.  I liked it!

This dishcloth went pretty fast.  Now that I know what I'm doing with this pattern, it's almost like comfort knitting.  I really like that garter stitch.  I gifted this to the person who gave me the yarn.  She was absolutely thrilled to receive it.

So yeah, I'm now hooked on knitting too.   So much so that I've signed up for a sock knitting class that starts this month.  Yep, I'm going to give it a go!  Can. Not. Wait!

So there you are friends, my knitting update.  It's so fun to learn something new and I'm thoroughly enjoying myself.  My funny DH says I'm "cheating" on my stitching peeps.  I hope they don't feel that way.  It's just something I've felt the pull to learn to do and life's short so you gotta roll with it!

Hope you are all well and doing what you love!  Thanks for stopping by today.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

I Sigh Not for Beauty - FINISHED!

People, did you hear it?!  Yep, that was me whooping it up last night about 6:30 when I put the very last stitch in "I Sigh Not for Beauty!"  Yes, a miracle has happened.  It's done!  Let's have a look.

Design: I Sigh Not for Beauty

Designer: C Street Samplers

Fabric: 32 ct. Dirty Linen

Floss: My own conversion of NPI and Hand Dyed Fibers

Started: 3/5/11

Finished:  2/5/17

Completed: To be framed at some point

The linen color isn't showing true to life in this picture since it was dark when I finished.  I also didn't iron it either.  So yes, that's a wrinkle you see there.  It's straight off the q-snaps people!  I was just so dang happy to get this done already that I simply couldn't be bothered.

Ever reach that point with a project where you just want it over already?  Um...yeah, that would be me with this one.  Don't get me wrong...I love the design, love the colors, love the fabric and floss but I was just over it.  It had haunted me for way too long and it needed to be finished.

The bargello grass went really quickly once I got going and the satin stitch border...can we talk about that for a minute?!  I clearly surprised myself with that one.  I guess I haven't done a lot of satin stitch and had no idea how fast it would work up!  I started the green at the guild stitch-in on Saturday and finished it up when I got home.  Yesterday I was bound and determined to bust out the cream side and that's just what I did!

I can't even put into words just how happy I am to have this one done.  Talk about shame stitching, this one has been shaming me for the last couple weeks.  I mean look at those dates, one month shy of six years I've been futzing around with this.  Oh puleeze!  But thanks to the gentle nudging of my peep, Christie and the cheering of several of you...I've finally finished this!

Now I can honestly say that I only have a few WIPs going and some unfinished class pieces.  I guess class pieces don't haunt me as much as WIPs do.  I'm not sure why.  I guess I look at class pieces as a learning experience. If I finish them at some point okay, but my main point was to learn something and I did that in the class.

As for WIPs, I've come to realize that I don't personally feel comfortable having at ton of WIPs going at once.  For my own personal sanity I need to keep it minimal.  I'm not saying there's anything wrong with having a lot going on at once if that's your thing.  It's just not mine.

I've also learned that I don't like having a lot of big projects going at once either.  It just not in my comfort zone.  Right now the WIPs I do have are what I would consider small or medium sized.  That's not to say I won't ever do another big project, but maybe not right away.

So friends, that's a long winded reflection after a really big finish.  I'm happy to have it done and am looking forward to sharing more finishes.  I appreciate all your support and encouragement.  What a nice way to start the week!  I hope yours is off to a good start too.

More next time,

The Inspired Stitcher