Necia Of All Trades

Happy Mother’s Day All! I hope your day was as great as mine.

I’m sure all of us as crafters, have had that feeling when no matter what we’re doing, it just seems to never get done! I experience that feeling alot. I think I experience it more so, as a multi crafter.

So, Wed of last week, after an extremely long night, I decided to just give in. I cast on for the Doily Style Dishcloth. I mean I have an ish load of dish cloth cotton, I might as well use it! Well, this cloth went quick, and I pondered whats taking me so long to knit with my cotton. By the time Friday rolled around, I had 3 made.

Cee bought to my attention, that he would like to take my cloths and send them to his grandmother, great grandmother, and Aunt as part of his mother’s day gift to them. Well, no sooner as I make them, they are already on their way out of the door. Good thing, I have lots more cotton where that comes from

Moving right along, the same desire for a quickie rang true with the sewing I’ve been doing lately. Im loving my string blocks, but I needed something different. I went stash diving (yes I do have a fabric stash), and pulled out 30 5″ squares. I arranged them how I wanted to, and then quickly stitched them up

Quick, being the relative word here, because for some reason, after squaring up, I’m left with a 27″ square. Hmnnnnnnnnnn weird measurement, but it’ll do.

On Saturday, I hit up my local fabric store, and picked out some batting, and border fabric for my square.

I figure a 3″ border all around, for a 30″ finished square. I’m going to use a flannel backing. Speaking of flannel, one of Shai’s cousin is pregnant with her first child. she was told she’s having a little girl.

I’m so excited for her, because I love crafting for little girls.

I smell a baby rag quilt in my near future. Being, she’s from North Carolina, I’m not even going to bother quilting it per se. I’m just going to do a flannel top, and flannel back, criss cross, it and call it a day. I hope to start working on that as soon as next weekend. I also want to knit the baby a sweater or something.

In spinning news, I plan on spinning the yarn for the Espresso Cardigan featured in A Fine Fleece, by Lisa Lloyd. I know I promised a review, but I just havent’ had time to put my words to paper, but trust, this is an exceptional knitting book. The fact that it features sweaters in handspun and commercial yarn is a major +. As a matter of fact, it features scarves, and socks too. Each pattern is knit in commercial yarn and handspun. Nice, wholesome, classic patterns. I can honestly say I like ALL of the projects featured in that book, and can see myself knitting quite a few.

However, I had to choose 1 to start with, and Espresso it was.

I’m going to be spinning Rambouilette. Above is 3lbs, awaiting to be spun into 2ply dk weight yarn. The pattern calls for yarn that is 11wpi with the required gauge being 22sts = 4″.

That’s my first swatch. Notice I said first. My gauge before washing is 16sts = 4″. Now I can either knit with this, just subbing the size I knit, or I can try to spin to the 11wpi. I’m going to go with the latter. If I can spin a sweaters worth of yarn, I would be so proud of myself. I think this project will take me to the next level as a spinner, so as of right now I”m willing to put forth that extra effort. We’ll see how long I’ll be singing that song.

Anyway, just wanted to check in, and let ya’ll know, when I’m quiet, I’m steady crafting.

Until next time.

Happy Craftin

Necia

And dh was right.  It needs to be wider and longer.  So Im going  to complete the original intended 4, for the 16, and then continue adding 1 to each row.  I may not have to do 16 more, we’ll see!

Happy Craftin

Necia

that the true bane of my existence was to pay my PSEG, aka Public Service Electric & Gas bill. Last weekend, the fam and I took an extended weekend trip to North Carolina. I hate weekend trips like that, because the ride is too long, and after driving many hours, and finally arriving, we do more driving just to go say hi to everyone and catch up. Yes, I still feel the same after the last trip, but it was good to get down to visit my inlaws.

Shai did all the driving. I was able to complete a pair of anklets for me

Lorna Laces Shepherd Sock. The colorway escapes me right now. KP Options, size 1, magic loop. I did a short row toe using a provisional cast on for one sock, and a magic cast on for another sock. Both socks have short row heels. Wam, bam, thank you ma’m! Next go round, Im going to force myself to do the EOP heel.

I even started a pair for Cee, considering I have a whole skein of yarn left over.

Not really boyish colors, but damn, I didn’t have a dye pot in the car with me, and it was imperative that I start something for him, just to SHUT HIM UP! I still have the other sock to complete, and I will probably get it done next week sometime.

Yes, rows were knit on the Woodland Shawl, but it pretty much looks just as it did last time I showed ya’ll, but only longer.

So we get home early Monday morning. I’m already aggravated because I have to be to work in a couple hours, as Cee, has to be to school. I notice the PSEG bill had came while we were gone. Cool, I’ll have a gander tomorrow, when my eyes are more alert.

Well lets just say tomorrow came, and I wish I’d NEVER opened that damn envelope. My bill for the month of April is over $500. I’ve had an ATTITUDE EVER SINCE!!!!!

Realizing just how broke I am, I decided to stay put this weekend. I’d figured if I didn’t go to far from the house, I could save money by not buying gas, and not being tempted with all the things that tempt me in the store. Good decision that was. I was able to complete Clue 1 of the Mystic Light Mystery KAL, that ended a week or so ago.

Clue 1 of 5. See how tight my stitches are along the bottom? I was using size 5s in hopes of conserving yarn, being this was a custom (as in I didn’t take not one note) dye job. Well, that got tired fast, and I switched to 8s. Now this shawl is saying something to me. I know I will probably run out of yarn, but I wouldn’t be Necia if I didn’t make it work. So stay tuned. If I dont’ get too caught up behind my sewing machine later, I will begin Clue 2.

Speaking of Sewing machine, I did work on the skirt I mentioned last time. I did a muslin, and cut up some fabric, that I truly wasn’t too concerned with. I’ve noticed, that since I’ve begun piecing, my garment sewing is improving. However, it didn’t improve enough for me to have a wearable muslin. I was able to tell, that although the line drawing shows a nice straight skirt, that it truly is an A line skirt. A line skirts suck for me. Im constantly drawn to them, but they don’t flatter me in the least. It’s time to put the creases back in this pattern and return it to it’s envelope.

I have a Simplicity Pencil skirt that I pulled back out. Again, I decided to do a wearable muslin, which turned out to not be so wearable for a variety of reasons.

Cut too small of a size.
Cut both the front and the back on the fold, instead of only the front.

This skirt calls for a centered back zipper, but being I had 2 pieces instead of 3, I knew I would be winging it and applying a side zipper. Well, pretty soon after I started sewing the side seams, I realized, I could’ve went with at least 1 size bigger. I decided to insert the side zipper anyway. Its not like I couldnt’ use the practice. So I did all of that, only to make it a wadder. I was damn near busting out of the skirt. Yep, I sure did try it on, knowing it wouldn’t fit. So, not a pretty sight. So I will be remaking that skirt again in the very near future, as this time around, I’m determined!

Moving along, I’ve finished 8 blocks out of my 16 blocks for my string quilt.  I only have a picture of 6, so that will have to do for now.

Now, I don’t know why I insist on doing things in front of Shai, because it’s not like he can just simply observe me, and not comment.  Well I had the 8 blocks laid out, much like the picture above.  And, then came the magic question:

How big are you making it?

Well I had 2 rows of 4 laid out, and I informed him, I would be adding 2 more rows, and a simple border.  Instead of leaving it be, he goes on to tell me, how he thinks I need to make it double that size.  Now initially, when I was planning it, I was thinking 104 x 104, but I pumped the brakes, because I thought that was too much for a novice.  Now, however, since the man done put his input in, I think I would like it better larger.

So, now the plan is to finish the remaining 8.  Take a picture.  Brew the image over in my head for 2 minutes, and then I will decide if I want to do 16

MORE

blocks!  Chances are I will!

So, that’s me in a nutshell.

Happy Craftin

Necia

And I’m not on my way to or from the club tonight!

Today was a VERY productive day. I planted/potted. I knit and I sewed. I visited with a loved one. Too tired to tell ya’ll everythang, but I will tell you that the string quilt I linked the other day, is addictive as all get out.

Here’s my box of strings I started with:

Here is 4/16 blocks that I plan on completing

Currently the blocks are laid in no particular order.  The plan is to do a 4×4 top.  I started with 12.5 x 12.5 squares.  Once the squares are complete I will join into rows, and then join the rows into one big gigantic block.  I plan on bordering this baby up too.  I have no idea, what the finished measurements will be.

Tomorrow, promises to be a busy and fun day.  I’m conducting a spindle making workshop at my snb.  I will also be dragging the Fricke with me, so those that always wanted to try wheel spinning can!  Another lady, whose becoming a dear friend of mine, will be bringing her wheel along too.  As much as I love spinning, I”m excited at the thought of sharing one of my MOST favorite hobbies tomorrow.  I’ll let ya’ll know how it goes.

Now, I better go clock some z’s.  If I remember, later this week, I will be reviewing the book “A Fine Fleece”, by Lisa Lloyd.  Fantastic book, and easily read cover to cover!  Of course, the patterns aren’t too shabby either!

Happy Craftin

Necia

Wow, talk about compliance. Shit, is my name still Necia? Lol. Anyway, on to the goods

Pattern: Tuscany

Designer: Amy R. Singer

Source: No Sheep For You

Needles: KP Harmony Size 6

Yarn: SWTC Bamboo, Bouganblahblah colorway - 2.5 skeins

Finish Measurements Pre Blocking: 80 x 28

Comments: Easy Peasy. The yarn was splitty and slippery at times, but all in all, it was a joy to work with. I do believe the yarn and pattern meshed well together.

Now for an oldie but goodie:

Pattern: Swan Lake aka MS3

Designer: Melanie Gibson

Source: I was part of the mystery knit along, but pattern can be bought here. Other design variations included with purchased pattern.

Needles: KP Options - Size 3

Yarn: Zephyr Laceweight by Jaggerspun in the Charcoal colorway.

Comments: First lace, first mystery. A very GOOD experience with both. This mystery along just wet my appetite, and got my nose wide open for more!

Speaking of which, another mystery lace kal starts today! Of course, I joined, and yes I plan on knitting actively on that too! Only time will tell.

Lots planned for the weekend. I have a party to attend on Saturday. Craftwise, I want to do some rotary cutting, perhaps actual stitching. I want to do some dyeing and some spinning. On Sunday, I’m conducting and participating in a spindle making workshop with my local snb. Good times are promised indeed.

Now all I need is a coupla clones of me, a few more hours, or at the very least another set of hands. How about you? What are your plans for the weekend?

Happy crafting

Necia

Between Chante and Boogie, I’ve gotten the quilting bug really bad! I’ve begun flirting with the big Q last year. Lately, my attraction has only gotten stronger, and I’ve no choice but to act on it.

Here, I have flying geese triangles cut and ready to be placed onto a design board. The fabric was purchased last year at Purl Patchwork, and the plan then was The Flying Geese Quilt Pattern, from Denise Schmidt book, Quilts. Well, the plan now is the same, but oh boy, what was I thinking doing this as a first quilt.

The fabric is Moda, and I have a variety of prints. Some with the alphabet, others with numbers, checkboard, and polka dot. The color scheme is green and cream, and the lucky recipient is my dear son, Celestial. Too bad, for me, he knows all about this quilt, and hasn’t stopped badgering me, since he noticed the cut triangles.

Because of the many prints, Im having a sort of creative block. It’s just too many triangles, or should I say flying geese, and too many prints. The layout WILL require PLANNING, and that to me, is my biggest weakness. Hopefully, I can find a block of time, to lay these all out, and really look, and manipulate it, so that it’s not too busy, and still pleasing to the eye. A design board will have to come to the rescue. I plan on hitting up a 99c store, and buying a plastic table cloth. I’ve been told that the flannel like backing will enable the fabric to just adhere to it, so that I can gather a good look on how I want it to “flow”.

In the meanwhile, I’ve been googling to my hearts content on the quilting craft. I found me my next quilt! I know that’s hilarious considering I didnt even complete my first one! I’m hoping this “planning” thing will work in my best interests.

String Quilt, here I come! I love the concept behind this. Strips and scraps! The strips don’t even have to be super straight! How could I not want 1 or 10, quilts based on this. Boogie, had to add fuel to my fire and show me this, all while mentioning Joann’s was having the only sale! Links and inspiration galore! A shopping trip was in my future!

I bought a few quilting rulers, so my rotary cutting would be less of a struggle.  I then took advantage of the $1 Fat Quarters.  I plan on using these AND all the other one’s I got from Ebay to make me a scrappy string quilt.

The more reasonable thing would be to use scraps left over from other quilts, but I don’t have the desire or inclination to do such a thing!  My FQ’s will become instant scraps by the time I finish cutting them.

Well that’s my More WIP segment.  Look forward to a colorful quilt eventually coming this way!  Let’s not forget the flying geese.

Happy Crafting

Necia

It’s been awhile since, I’ve actually followed a theme that has floated around the blogosphere. I decided to be compliant for once. I mean after all, I’ve been carrying around batteries for the camera, in my purse, for the greater part of a week. I have 2 wip’s for your viewing pleasure this week. First, the long awaited Mystic Light Shawl to be I’m using size 5 needles. I would’ve loved to go up a needle size or 2, but I’m playing it safe, so I won’t be sorry later. Thanks for all the go for it suggestions! I’m barely a third of the way through Clue 1 in this picture. Even though another clue has been released today, I’m sure I’ll gain momentum, and get quite a bit done over the weekend.

Next up, we have the Woodland Shawl. I’m using SWTC Bamboo in the cobalt colorway. I figure with all the shawls, I have going on, I might as well, at least knit me some stoles. Here, I’m about to join another skein in this picture. I’m thinking another skein and a half, and it MIGHT be long enough, we’ll see! Speaking of stoles, I still havent showed ya’ll a picture of my MS3 from way back when. Ohhhhh, I know, I can post it up for Finished Object Friday, so stay tuned. I’ve been working on some other craftiness goodness as well. However, I don’t want to clog this post up (a first for me), so I’ll post again tomorrow, lest you think I’ve been swallowed by my craftiness abyss! Happy Crafting Necia

Here she is, about 690y of Wensleydale, all for the Mystic Light KAL.  The only problem is, the design calls for about 700y.  As a matter a fact, the designer said she had about 4y left over from a 700 y skein.  Ay vey!  What’s a girl to do?

Happy Craftin

Necia

Or maybe it’s about Effin time!

What we have here, is 2 bobbins full of singles waiting to be plyed.  This is the Wensleydale, I dyed up for the Mystic Light KAL.  This past Wed, clue 3 was released!  There are only 5 clues that make up this shawl.

I hope to have this plied, and the twist set, in order to get at least one clue done before the weekend is out.  I have a lot on my plate this weekend, and I’m not all too sure how knitting lace will fit in, but I’m oh so determined.

Come on ya’ll, root me on!  I need all the help I can get!

I’ll tell ya’ll all about my fo, my latest dyeing/spinning, and my new wip in the next day or so.  Let me try to get this done!

Happy Craftin

Necia

My son helped me with this one.  From beginning to end, he was involved with the dyeing process. With that said it’s only fit that we call this one “Celestial”.  Who woulda thought, my baby would have a roving named after him.  No getting crunk with this one!

Details: 8 ozs of Superwash Merino roving.  Used procion sky blue, and green (forget which green though).  Used the crock pot method, and followed the method as I discussed yesterday, only there was no over dyeing involved.

Yesterday, Bezzie asked me some really good questions.  So good that I would respond publicly.  She asked if the kitty litter box was unused.  My response is Hell to the Absolute Yea.  I used to use my sink, but Cee broke the stopper one morning, so that makes the pre-soak thing kind of hard.  Use whatever is accessible to you.

She also asked, if one could use the same crock pot that one cooks their food in.  I would suggest doing that only if the dyes you are using are FOOD GRADE.  Those dyes being wiltons, koolaid, easter egg dye, and the like.  The procion dyes I used AREN’T food grade, so there will be no swapping out.  I also mentioned to her, and Rosi G, that basically all one needs to dye successfully is a heat source.

In the summer, I plan on attempting to solar dye.  I’ll dump some dye and water in a canning jar, add my fiber, and stick the jar outside in the sun.  I’ll let it sit and soak up the dye for however long it needs until the water is clear, thus meaning the dye is exhausted. I might even try placing a jar in the trunk of my car.  Who knows, the sky is the limit.  I’ve heard of people that use hot plates, or their ovens.  I’ve tried the stove top and the microwave.  It’s fun to experiment, and I encourage it greatly.

Weekend plans for me include, more dyeing of course with my favorite assistant.  It’s my turn to pick the colors, and I have no idea which way I’m gonna go.  I also plan on sewing up one of my quilt blocks.  It wouldn’t be a weekend, without me getting some spinning in.  So I plan on having a very crafty weekend, and I wish all of you the same!

Happy Craftin

Necia