Completed

Charley Harper prints from Birch Fabrics: multiple prints.  Pattern adapted from Jacquie Gering, published by Interweave.

I did rip out neutral stitches and replace with blue - all the same now!
Whole cloth side: Charley Harper by Birch Fabrics 'Nuthatch'

So, yes, I did sit down and on a snow day here in Central Pennsylvania, I removed all the stitches where I accidentally used the wrong bobbin (see previous post).  Although everybody was so nice and told me I shouldn't, and I do not worry about the Quilting Police carrying me away, it did bother me and in the end, made the change.  Now I am happy with the final result and it is already in use in the house.

Then the question is 'What is Next', which isn't a fair question as I always have multiple projects going at any one time, like most knitters and quilters.  But the next thing I will talk about in terms of the creative process is a sweater that has been in the works for some time, but I am finally closing in on completion.  It is difficult to complete things when you do not work on them, but I have to set aside personal projects from late August until Christmas in order to work on projects for the holiday season.

This sweater is my own design, inspired by an inexpensive sweater I got in a department store.  I liked the style and shape, but the yarn is not of a particularly good quality.  I also wanted to make a sweater for warmer temperatures (it will get warm again, won't it??), so I chose one of my very favorite yarns Madeline Tosh Merino Light in a spring-summer color way, Grapefruit.  I am working on completing the second sleeve and soon will be ready to put together the back, fronts, and sleeves then add neckline band (similar to bottom band shown below).  Stay tuned for progress reports.

The Ups and Downs of in the Creative Process

About a year ago I made my first quilt block, thus branching out from my existing passion for sewing (aprons, bags, accessories, and some garments).  Since then I've made a lot of blocks (really a lot!!) and done some modest quilting projects.  So in January, I decided I wanted to make something for our own home, which I do not do much.  I'm always getting little hints, that would be nice here...

One side to be 'whole cloth'

So I'm totally in love with the wonderful fabrics that were recently released by Birch Fabrics with Charley Harper prints. We have what I've discovered is now called a 'mid-century modern' home and these fabrics are perfect.  A friend and I sent away to California to grab some of the special booty for ourselves.  Then I saw the project I wanted to do and needed to get more fabric for the backing. Panic! Sold out all of the place.  Finally located what I wanted, placed the order and waited.  

Charley Harper prints chosen for the wedge pieces

Many little decisions crop up in every sewing project, and this is no exception.  First off, the two sides are very different in coloration and feeling, which is not typical but I want a piece that can be used at different seasons and with different table settings for us. The blue side is already graphic enough to be effective and interesting in whole cloth, so the other prints could be the wedge pieces.  Another decision: use the gold twigs as binding, since the gold will unite both schemes.

Next, decide the print order and directional orientation was decided.  I was working from a pattern published by Jacquie Gering, but I wanted different sized pieces (bigger) and more pieces.  I also had eight prints to work with, not a different print for each wedge as the pattern suggested.  Most of the prints are directional, meaning they run one direction.  Cutting was a careful process to make sure that within a set of wedges each faced opposite directions (a design decision by me).

Lay out order and orientation of wedges

Once pieced with neutral strips between each wedge, the batting and whole cloth backing are put together and the 'quilting' step began.  Yet more decisions: what color(s) of thread? What type of stitching design?  I decided I wanted grey on the wedge pieces, and neutral on the insert  pieces between the wedges.  Grey looked great on all the prints, but would look terrible on the blue, gold and neutral on the back.  I tried threads in all three colors and decided that blue worked the best, gave texture, showed up but did not glare and stand out like neutral and gold.  Good! Since I am new at quilting, straight line techniques are all I will venture, but since this is so geometric, I think that will work well.  Follow the wedge shape in concentric lines.  Good again.  Go.

"Echo" stitching pattern, following wedge shapes

Loving the effect of grey thread choice

All is great, over two days I got all 17 wedges stitched, trimmed the excess, and put it on the table to review the look 'in situ'.  Wonderful, right?  NOOOOO!!   

I spotted a major problem - I accidentally used the wrong color thread in the bobbin for 6 of the 17  wedges on the blue side.  Some were in neutral and others in blue.  What to do?  Live with it? Claim artistic license (I meant to do that!!)? Rip it out and fix?  I am always told to let things stand a bit, don't react instantly.  See if you can live with it.  Is it big, small?  

Leave it or fix it?

What should I do?  Next chapter coming soon.

Back in the Groove!

I know it's been a while, but I have not been idle! Over the course of the past months, I've been working hard, and taking workshops to further my creativity. Also, I added quilting to the my growing list of creative endeavors.  And now, it is that time of year when I plant myself in the workshop and craft the holiday items for my local favorite shop (Tait's Harvest Shop) and for my website.

Additionally, this year I added some new items to the line up: fabric scarves, table runners, fleece scarves and neck warmers, and Christmas stockings.  



Chiffon Scarves





Fleece Scarves - perfect for transition temperatures

 Exciting things for the holidays are brewing.  Here are a few pictures.



A sampler of knitted scarves and neck warmers - great fibers!




New! Hand crafted 'made fabric' stockings




Some of the wonderful fabrics for aprons and spice trivets


In case you're interested in this summer's progress, here are a few things I've been working on:



"Improvisational" Pillow - pieced in 'wonky' blocks




Custom designed, special order for Tait's Harvest Shop to be used in the store




These fun slippers, featuring a clever knot design are a class I am teaching in October at Stitch Your Art Out, Pine Grove Mills, PA




A few of my friends (I love you guys!) and I knitted various versions of this shawl




Cynthia Spencer (pictured) will soon be publishing this pattern of mine in her Really Clear Patterns

This is also a class coming up in December. 

Late Winter, Fresh Aprons Delivered

Just in time for the February special events at Tait's Harvest Shop (their website)!!  I've put together some new aprons, a combination of traditional styles with updated touches and a funky newsprint print in fun and functional apron styles.  Perfect for any season and any reason! 



A favorite 'shortie' style: short body style with a deep working pocket on the front, fully reversible




Pretty and graceful body style; lace trim and generous neck and waist ties




Fun style with ruffle trim and a kangaroo pouch style centered pocket




Classic butcher style apron in an updated stretch cotton fabric with lurex accents and a smart accent trim




A market-style half apron with two pockets and wrap around ties



Six new zipper pouches added as well! 

Newest Scarves - Fleece!

Although we are presently in the coldest days of the year, soon I will visit the warmer climate of the south, where we still need warmth, but not the heavy wools and weaves we need right now.  So I decided to make something to carry forward into the late winter-first thaw that will come soon enough, much like winter in the Carolinas.  

This is a set of soft, light weight fleeces, with decorations at one edge, which add some whimsy without interfering with overall 'wearability'! Since this is a first set, they are a variety widths and lengths, including some neck warmers. 

They are presently available at Taits Harvest Shop in Centre Hall, PA



Long scarf with 'ghinko leaf' design, flower design neck warmers in background




Stem and leaf design with felted wool 'flower buds'




Longest scarf - can wrap three times!  With geometric design




Traditional length long scarf with 'pop art' leaf design




Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All!

Gearing Up for the Holiday Season!

The Creative Process Brought to Market!

Is it too early???  For those of us shopping for groceries and running errands in stores, it may feel too early to hear the music and see the glittery displays, but for artisans and craftspeople, we have been working on the holidays for many months now.  

This year, I am so lucky to have lots of my items carried in two special shops that feature artisan foods and works, with an emphasis on local/country suppliers and artists. 

Concept:
I thought I would spend a few minutes talking about what goes into the works I create; the materials and process.  I create high quality, artisan hand knitted and hand sewn accessory items, that are beautiful and fit into a modern lifestyle. I think nothing is more frustrating that buying that hand crafted item and later realizing it was just not all that wearable. My items are unique and luxurious, but are made to be worn happily for many years. 

Fabrics and yarns are selected keeping in mind trends in fashion and home decorating, as well as input from the merchants to coordinate with their shop and holiday themes. And sometimes I make something just because I like it!


Materials:
All through the year, every where I go I search for interesting fabrics and yarns. I also benefit from wonderful friends who keep a lookout on their travels as well.  I've made several purchases via the help of talented (and tasteful!) friends and the modern miracle of picture messages on the cell phone. 

Knit goods use fine yarns of desirable fibers such as merino, silk, alpaca, and mohair to name a few. I create pieces of all sizes and shapes, but primarily send neck warmers and scarves to Tait's Harvest Shop for the winter holidays and season. Texture, fiber and embellishments are key design decisions, but the focus always remains on wear-ability and functionality.

Process:
I'm not a mass production shop; knits and aprons are unique. Each piece starts with a decision about style and then fabric/yarn choices and combinations.  New body styles are frequently added, and popular body styles are used and/or adapted as customer response continues to grow.  I try to use a variety of widths (body coverage) so there is something for everyone. Some ties wrap around once or twice, and most all neck ties are adjustable for maximum sizing flexibility. When you buy a piece, it is unique. Sometimes a concept is selected again, but it never comes out the same way twice.


Result:
Anyone local in Central Pennsylvania can drop in at Tait Farm Harvest Shop,  Rt 322 just east of State College and Boalsburg;  and those of you in the Washington, DC area drop in at  Smucker Farms of Lancaster County  at 14th and U, NW. 

KnittenKaboodle Website:
The website also carries items not found in the shops as well as some wonderful pieces from a few other select artisans, which you are encouraged to try out as well.  
The website is a gallery-style offering of one-of-a-kind hand knit and hand sewn items from me and a few other artisans. At the time of this writing it is undergoing some updates, including revised postage rates (improved!). 



The spoils from a recent trip to Canada and NY Finger Lakes region.




Aprons ready for selection by Betty and Eli Smucker for their 14th and U Street shop in Washington, DC (they took the all!!)



Yummy Madeline Tosh yarns, waiting for a worthy project.  Each are hand dyed in small batches of 3. Colors are amazing in both hue and variation.