flying geese mini quilt

This is a mini quilt (24"x24") using the flying geese block. The theme was red white and blue and I used a mix of cotton, muslin, feedback, chambray and linen.  There are 72 'geese' sewn into 9 blocks. I think my favorite fabric in here has got to be the blue with white daisies which is the one made out of the vintage feedsack material. Though Denyse Schmidt's Katie Jump Rope is so vibrant and fun to use as well.

a beautiful hike in nj

This is a bit off topic from what I normally discuss on my blog but, I wanted to share these photos from a really beautiful place to go hiking in NJ. Lately, I have been on the lookout for new places to go that are within an hours drive that are family friendly and free. While browsing instagram I came accross photos that a woman posted of their hike and was immediately drawn to the location. I found out that the location was Wawayanda State Park and the trail is called Stairway to Heaven. This trail has some really beautiful terrain and narrow boardwalks about 3 times the size of a balance beam in some areas as you cross over fields of wildflowers, cow pastures, accross train tracks, grassy areas (I comtemplated whether some of the groupings of sticks and straw were deer beds) and wooded areas. If you want you can also hike some of the Appalachian trail while you are there.

































The photo of the wildflowers below were a mix of flowers that I picked and ones left behind by someone else that I found on a bridge. I found the sentiment so lovely and I carried them for some time before leaving them behind with the ones I had in hopes of them reseeding and continuing. Fast forward 4 days later and the same beautiful family who hiked there the week before me and I were wondering if it was her bouquet. It turned out not to be but, I so love the idea of people picking the wildflowers and then leaving them behind. I realize more and more that what is natural and spiritual to me is finding, creating and making beauty. It's when I feel the most in tune with myself.

embroidery sampler

I finished this embroidery sampler from Made by Hand yesterday. The design is nice for learning some new stitches and practice. I have been thinking of doing some freehand cross stitching this summer. Embroidery is portable and inexpensive. Also, the kids get into it sometimes and since we will be hanging out a lot this summer that's a plus.

vogue 8901

I recently made this dress, Vogue 8901, as a trial to see how I liked it and to work out some kinks. It was the 'muslin' or prototype but, if it did come out perfect (which it didn't) I wanted to be able to wear it. The dress pattern is a nice fitted style with a pleated waist, bust and back darts, an elegant neckline and a zipper in the back.

I do like this style but I would not repeat it in a linen and instead opt for a tana lawn or similar. Linen wasn't one of the recommended choices anyway but, I wanted to see how it would behave. There are different choices for where you want the waist to fall and since I happen to be short waisted I went high. Also, there are a lot of pleats which may if not placed in the right spot and evenly on the waist be unflattering. The darts were a little off in the front for me too. When I make this again I now know I want a different fabric, the waist to be longer, slightly smaller pleats, a little reworking of the darts and a little bit more length to the skirt. I think I would go for a shorter zipper that ends at the waist or maybe even a button placket.

deep rose

The past two weeks I worked on this lightweight pullover sweater. The pattern is called Breakwater and I had knit it once before and liked it enough to make it again. The yarn is a fingering/sock weight but is knit on mostly US size 7 needles making it drape nicely since the yarn calls for a 1 needle. I used Skinny Bugga yarn by Sanguine Gryphon in a color called Rose Weevil and the hand-dyed wool is 80 % superwash merino, 10% cashmere and 10% nylon and is really lovely to work with.

primary dot duvet

Polka Dots in Primary Colors!

I was happy to find that I still had enough of this print to make something with it that would not be outgrown. Not that I don't love the dresses I have made with it, I do. The Nani Iro double gauze is really a beautiful fabric and one I particularly like to use again and again.

As a bonus this is a quick project that can easily go from start to finish in a few hours. The instructions can be found here.

*This week I have spent a great deal of time in the garden. It's slow this year but, things are starting to improve and come to life. My garden club is having their annual plant sale this week so I have also been helping out with that.

Have a good weekend. x

little liesl

Little Leisl, pattern by Ysolda in size 6-12 months knit with Old Maiden Aunt Yarn in color way, Whisky Galore! I love looking close up at the details in this one. The stich is 'feather and fan'.
I will add more full feature to my Ravelry page though I think this one could use a model for full effect.

I have made two adult versions of the Liesl sweater before and I was looking for a pattern to use this yarn with since it has been around for years. They made a nice match. The yarn is incredibly soft. I have some leftover to knit some accessories with once I find a baby to give it to.