Saturday, November 13, 2010

Old Friends

Hi Knitters,
TC has been knitting up a storm again. It comes and goes for her but when she is on with the knitting she is a whirlwind. She became obsessed with knitting booties so I suggested this old free pattern of mine called, Pg. 81 Booties. If you have Itty-Bitty Hats go to page 81 to see where it all started. She is so excited about her finished booties. I helped her with the finishing but she did all of the knitting.

Click here to read the story of the Pg. 81 Booties and see how to make them.

Click here to go to the Ravelry project page for the Pg. 81 Booties.

The free pattern pdf is on my blog sidebar under Free Patterns.

TC is incredibly proud of her booties and she made a hat to match. All that is left is a few rosebuds for the top of the hat. She literally hovers about me while she is knitting. It is cute. She is using the no longer being manufactured Manos Cotton Stria. I am glad to have a big basket of this yarn in my possession. It is gorgeous and will dwindle eventually because TC loves it.
All week I have been knitting up a storm right along with TC but I also worked in a few more placemats. You know, I just can't get used to writing place mat in two words. I am going back to the regular old placemat. What do you think? Anyhoo, either way, my goal is to eventually get a dozen placemats for my family's daily use. Everyone loves them so much. It is making me really, really happy. I have to remember to photograph the steps for you. I think I will put that up next on here.

It's the little things in life that count. Simple pleasures are the best.

I purchased that fun pincushion from Anthology on State Street in Madison. This is one of our favorite local shops to get lost in.
Here are two more that I am hoping to finish up today. I am doing mitered corners on the binding. Sometimes they work out so beautifully and sometimes I struggle. I can't quite figure out why. This is such a good learning process for me. Practice, practice, practice. I am getting really fast and confident on threading my machine, filling bobbins and problem solving. I've got the bobbin tension figured out, too. You learn by doing. It's true.

As far as other new things, I am going for my first spinning lesson next week! I am pretty excited about this. I will keep you posted on how I do. I also have my skirt sewing class coming up. I'll have lots of new things to share over the next couple of weeks.

I'll leave you with a few fun links today:
A gorgeous new sweater pattern.
A free pattern for a swirly cowl.
A cool and easy sewn scarf pattern.
A knitted Kindle cover (I need to make this asap!)
I am considering purchasing one of these hooked rug kits. I love the look of them.
Gudrun Johnston's incredible new pattern book is up for pre-order. I love these patterns.
I am ordering this pattern book by Mandy Powers!
Check out the patterns for Mandy's book in this review. You'll love the patterns.
This Etsy shop is making me swoon.

Okay, friends, I have to get on with my day.
best, susie

11 comments:

Liz Monroe said...

Thanks for sharing. I love your "full o' links" blog posts-- and TC's booties are fabulous! Have a good weekend.

Stefanie said...

Love your placemats; and yes, I like it as one word. So awesome how TC takes after you. I hope my girls will do the same when they're older. The booties are precious! Some great links you've posted!

Maryjonono said...

Your energy astounds me and your enthusiasm is contagious! I think it's wonderful that TC is exploring her inner creator, she's very talented like her mom. So nice that she can get inspiration in your stash.
I'm mostly a quilter and my kids were always welcome to take what they needed from my fabric stash but they had to be taught not to cut their little squares and circles from the center of a fat quarter or yard! Ah, I miss those days!

paws said...

I vote for placemat. Yours are so pretty. I would appreciate a little tutorial since I just bought a sewing machine and could actually use some more placemats. Sounds like it would be a good project.

Anonymous said...

I am still in love with the placemats and enjoy that you have decided to write it as one word. It feels slightly off putting having to write it as two. The world doesn't feel right when it is written as two words ! I have been 'hinting' to my boyfriend that i just NEED a new sewing machine for christmas. Lets see what Santa brings me. I hope to get these placemats going !!!

Dianne@sheepdreams said...

Yay!!! So glad you are finally getting to start your spinning lessons. You'll be great at it, I'm sure!

Edith Schmidt said...

I love what your doing! So many ideas and patterns!! Think I'll pour some more express and get to creating

Cowgirlpurl said...

You're an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your creativity!

Mandy said...

Wow, those links are dangerous! I've seen rug hooking kits before and resisted, because I do not need another hobby! But they are super cute.

Thanks for the links to The Red Collection!

Susan on Bainbridge Island said...

I love the placemats- your fabrics are beautiful and will brighten any table top!
And you are right. . . it IS all about practice practice practice!
Thank you for the free patterns!

Susan on Bainbridge Island said...

Thank you Susan for the lovely patterns and keeping me motivated!
I love your placemats- so fun and colorful- they will look great on any table top.