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Tuesday, March 13, 2018

10 Minute Quilt Block




My next charity quilt is made with "10 minute" blocks.   I found this technique on YouTube in my quest for simple yet interesting blocks.

 
Each block consists of 5 pieces of square fabric.  Mine were 6 1/2" square.  This made a 12 1/2" unfinished block.   Only 3 seams involved and it was simple to make.  I followed Suzanne McNeill's YouTube video which was very helpful.  Once the seams were sewn I simply top-stitched the focus center square and it was done.  I also made half the blocks with a smaller center focus fabric to give a bit of variation to the pattern.   

By doing a bit of math, you can easily make the blocks the size you'd require for a different size quilt.

When I put all the blocks together, my quilt was a bit too long for the dimensions required by Victoria's Quilts. So I took a row off and made an off set couple of rectangular pieces on both ends.  

I machine quilted with diagonal lines and tied it was well with yellow embroidery thread.

As usual, most of the fabric for the quilt was from the Victoria's Quilts Friends Group here in town.  I added a few from my stash to complete it.  It has a very Autumnal look to it - color wise and also some of the themed fabrics. 

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Scania Shawl

I enjoy quilting, but I also appreciate a good knitting project.  When I saw Grocery Girls, Tracie (@just_tracie on Instagram / tracieknits on Ravelry) and Jodi (@mrsbrownsbags on Instagram & Ravelry), on Off Our Needles discuss a knit along (KAL) for this beautiful shawl by Caroline Wiens, I knew I had to knit this gorgeous piece.  



The pattern and yarn were offered at a discount on Craftsy, so it was easy to purchase.  I chose the same colors as Jodi.  Those blues and soft neutrals were calling to me.  I took a quick look at the downloadable pattern and waited with giddy anticipation for the yarn to arrive.

Yarn day came and I took up my needles and tried to start the cast on.  I couldn't quite figure out the instructions.  Don't know if any of you follow Ravelry, but the Scania forum on there was invaluable to say the least.  Lots of people were posting that they were having the same difficulty as I was with the pattern, so I didn't feel quite so inept.  Many people posted their experience knitting the shawl as well as some very beneficial tips and explanations.  Not sure if I could have done it without them.    

Once I had successfully started the project, I added some tips of my own to the forum.  Hope it helped other knitters who found themselves at a standstill. 

Caroline Wiens is from Malmo, Sweden and her design of this shawl was amazing.  I have done cable stitches before, but her faux cable was easy and gave the same look as a regular cable.  Her magical fringe was quite an experience to unravel.  The whole time I was knitting the shawl I kept thinking, "How is this going to make a fringe without unraveling the whole shawl?".  Have faith, it works!

Other aspects that were delightful were the color changes, 4 pattern repeat, the building of a shawl from just a few stitches, and the I-cord edging.

A great shawl - glad I made it.

Check out the The Grocery Girls videos on YouTube for a treat.  They are very entertaining.  Here's their latest video