Hand Quilt Along: Ai Yi Yi

Posted on June 24, 2018 by KerryCan

Raise your hand if you’re tired of coming by here, just to listen to me make excuses for lack of progress.

me, me, me

Right. Me, too.

I need to simply admit that the summer of 2018 is not the summer for hand quilting. Other, more important, responsibilities assert themselves.

If, when I get back to working on my quilt, Kathy is still hosting the HQAL, I’ll report in. Otherwise, you’ll find progress by other quilters, listed below!

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.

Kathy, Lori, Margaret, Emma, Tracy, Deb, Connie, Susan, Nanette, Sassy , Edith, and Sharon.

From Waste to Wonderful: ScrapHappy

Posted on June 15, 2018 by KerryCan

From April to June.

From string to fabric.

From threads to towels.

From waste to wonderful (if I say it myself!)

I wrote in April about my weaving project that began with miles of leftover thread from previous projects. In fact, I used up almost two miles (or 3 kilometers, if you prefer) of thread that otherwise would’ve been considered waste!

From that, I got 4 thirsty kitchen towels, each slightly different. (You can click on the photos, to see the differences clearly.)

Chevrons

Florets

Lacy chain

Xs and Os–hugs and kisses!

I also wove a small band from my leftovers, to make hanging tabs for each towel.

And, because I wanted to leave pretty striped fringe on one piece, and fringe doesn’t really suit kitchen towels, I made a table runner, as well! Hemstitching secures the fringe.

I liked everything about this project and am unabashedly thrilled with the product. Once again, scraps make me happy.

Do they make you happy, too?

You might want to contact Kate and get in on the fun of sharing your creations!

From Kate: ScrapHappy is open to anyone using up scraps of anything – no new materials. It can be a quilt block, pincushion, bag or hat, socks or a sculpture. Anything made of scraps is eligible. If your scrap collection is out of control and you’d like to turn them into something beautiful instead of leaving them to collect dust in the cupboard, why not join us on the 15th of each month? Either email me at the address on my Contact Me page, or leave a comment below. You can also contact Gun via her blog to join. We welcome new members. You don’t have to worry about making a long term commitment or even join in every month, just let either of us know a day or so in advance if you’re new and you’ll have something to show, so we can add your link. Regular contributors will receive an email reminder three days before the event.

Here are the links for everyone who joins ScrapHappy from time to time (they may not post every time, but their blogs are still worth looking at).

Kate, Gun, Titti, Heléne, Eva, Sue, Nanette, Lynn, Lynda, Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Debbierose, Tracy, Jill, Claire, Jan, Karen, Moira, Sandra, Linda, Chris, Nancy, Alys, Kerry, Claire, Jean, Jon and Hayley

Grousing in the Garden

Posted on June 7, 2018 by KerryCan

I didn’t want to write this post. Really, I didn’t.

I’ve resisted as long as I could and they’ve just worn me down with their whining and nagging and moaning.

My flowers are furious; They look pretty and dainty and harmless . . . don’t be fooled. They are relentless.

They demand equal time! They point out that everybody else’s flowers have been featured on the internet, that they are every bit as attractive, and, dammit, they want their moment in the spotlight.

The irises are irate.

The viburnum are threatening violence.

The lilies of the valley lament and lament and lament. All those tiny little voices, lamenting. Oy.

The hostas are downright hostile.

Catnip is caterwauling, under its protective armor to keep the cats from nipping it down to nothingness.

Peonies are pouting, again. They’re not at their best yet but they remember a successful protest from years ago, and they are emboldened.

So, my apologies for a post full of familiar flowers. I don’t even know all their names and it occurs to me that some may be weeds. I simply don’t care anymore. I just want them to stop their belly aching!