Two Black Sheep

Come On Over (All I Want Is You)

Drive by post . . . because I am so chuffed. Since I am visiting Lola in a few days under the pretense of stopping by the quilt show (which we are going to attend, thank you very much), I thought that I should probably make one since my other attempts were rather iffy. So I started cutting out Turning Twenty yesterday around 2 PM, then called Lola to get her opinion on some dresses for "the wedding," and then I began sewing around 3:30 PM. At 8:35 PM, I called Lola again (this was probably call four of the day) to say, "Guess how has a quilt topper? That's right . . . me!" Her response: was it super easy or was I manic? Ummm, super easy, but here she is. If you click on the first one, there are notes a-go-go.

Off to go shopping with B and V . . . scarf in purse to pass the time!

Ava

 

Cover Me

I finally got around to snapping some better pictures of the Big Boy Quilt.  I saw this quilt & thought, "I can do that."  I say that a lot when I'm cruising online.  That phrase is then followed with a flurry of shopping & a healthy dose of obsession.  I become crazed.  I plan and cut until my body hurts.  And then I stop to breathe because I realize: I'm not a quilter.  I don't take the time to see how the colors will play out.  I probably should have changed the wheel in my rotary cutter.  I should have thought more about the thread I was using & how it would look on the quilt.  But I learn.  Here's a couple things that I did learn from this quilt & I will apply to my next one. 

I did remember from high school art class that certain colors work well with each other.  Green and red are on opposite ends of the wheel and for that reason are suppose to look good.  But you see, you'll run the risk of looking very Christmas-y.  So I threw in a nice smattering of black.  I think that calmed things down.  I didn't even plan on using green and red as the main colors.  Instead, I found two fantastic fabrics and planned off of those.  The tattoo fabric and small world (Smiles Around the World is the proper name) fabric thrill me each time I pass them.  I like how they mingle.  You've got some bad ass motifs right next to some cheery faces.  Sort of like the mood swings of a 3 year old.

I also decided to try spray quilting instead of pinning the quilt.  This made a huge difference!  If I had to pin the layers together, I wouldn't have finished the quilt.  I don't care if real quilters call me a cheater!  One big piece of advice that I ignored was written right on the can.  When the can says "use a well ventilated area," do what it says!  After I sprayed, I needed SK's help.  I was greeted with a loud, "What the fuck?"  The longer I stayed in the basement, the higher I got.  I almost passed out.  Next time, I'll go outside. 

The quilt was done for about a week before I tackled the binding.  I had a family member show me how she does a continuous binding.  I brought my camera and snapped a bunch of photos.  She said practice first, but I ignored her.  You'd think I learn from my huffing incident.  I only had to ripped the final stitches once before I mastered the binding.  Here's where I screwed up & I was forced to hand-sew the binding to the quilt (a step I really wanted to skip this time).  In Denyse Schmidt's book, she sews the binding on the front side & then whip stitches the binding to the back.  Our family member sews the binding to the back side, folds it over, and machine stitches the binding.  The stitches appear on the back side & no one cares if they look a little wonky.  Guess which side I started the binding?  Two nights later, I had a finished quilt and a sore finger.  Note to self: If you fuck up again, buy a thimble.

As I was admiring my work, I said to SK "I hope Gus doesn't throw it down & demand only his train blanket."  You can't expect a toddler to appreciate hand-made gifts.  The next day, I was overnight somewhere.  Gus pulled SK into his room and said, "See my blanket?  I love it."  Now "I Love It" is a phrase that's he's been throwing around for everything.  I love Star Wars (never seen it). I love Bones (definitely never watched it).  I love eating steak (maybe once).  But hearing that response did make me happy.  He doesn't sleep under the quilt, but he doesn't throw it off the bed either.

Yesterday, I got Home Stretch in the mail.  I'm so excited to get sewing I can hardly wait!  We have a neighborhood garage sale tomorrow, so I'm on the hunt for some XXL t-shirts.  I thought I could use some of our old ones, but most aren't big enough.  I think that I'm going to have to order knit fabric online, because locally has been a bust.  The only material I can find has to be dry cleaned.  Who wants a dry clean only t-shirt?  So I'll recycle until I've got a good fitting t-shirt.  While I'm testing out new projects, maybe I'll try out freezer paper prints.  Has that bandwagon left yet?  I can still jump on.

-Lola

Sleepy-time

I just wanted to post one picture of the Big Boy quilt.  I'll post more on it later when I can get better photos and when I'm not exhausted.

Gus was very proud of his discovery yesterday.  I was asked very nicely to take a picture for him.  This tender moment was followed by a potty-mouth moment.  SK spilled something at dinner and Gus quickly said, "Damn".  And then just as fast, looked at me and said, "Sorry!  That's a bad word."

Have a fabulous holiday weekend.  We get our first CSA pick-up tomorrow & are throwing a little BBQ on Sunday.  Beer & Cornhole just what Memorial Day deserves.

L

Gary Song

Maternity Project Post Update!

I really thought that I'd get my WIP basket emptied.  Or at least take a good chunk of it.  I was sadly mistaken. 

Let's start with some knit projects that are going on vacation.  This is the first time I haven't had the urge to knit.  I'd really like to think that it's the projects I'm working on.  But there's a part of me that hates to have a WIP.  I don't like too many projects in that pile, but I really hate to have them lingering.  I fear that I'll just stop knitting if I stick with this mantra. Let's talk about that nasty WIP.  Currently I'm working on EZ's Saddle Shouldered Aran & Snail Mitts.  The cardigan has the body, one sleeve & one cuff completed.  She's sat in the basket ever since I cast on for the second cuff.  I can't get my cardigan mojo back.  Perhaps it's because I know that I won't be able to wear Her for a couple of months.  So last night, I made sure that the notes were very detailed & completed.  I feel confident that I'll have 2 matching sleeves when I pick her up again.  The Mitts are another story.  I plan on blocking the finished one.  If it doesn't block well, it might get tossed into the I'm-Never-Going-to-Knit-the-Second-One pile.  Perhaps my fair isle skills are less to be desired.  And perhaps I need a class to make the mitts shine.  The fronts & backs look ok, but my sides are real wonky.   Only a good soak will reveal if this mitt is going to get a brother.

And my biggest Maternity Project, Gus' Big Boy quilt.  I really wanted to have this finished prior to his move to that Big Boy bed.  That didn't happen.  I have the top completed & the material for the back.  This weekend, I've made myself promise to sew the back.  I promise that I'll have it ready for quilting.  Girl Scout promise!  I also have enough scraps to make a pillow case & a small quilt for Tuck.  But I'm not making promises on those projects.

So how's a girl to find her knitting mojo again?  New exciting projects, duh?!  Since Project Spectrum is in the Earth cycle, I'm getting ready for the Greens.

I bought this yarn at Knitter's Connection & have tried using it with a number of different projects.  None seemed to do it justice.  I came across this pattern through Raverly & had to have it.  I cast on last night & I'll wait for a couple of repeats until I form an opinon.  With lace, I always think I'm going to see the pattern immediately.  Patience wasn't something I was born with.

Another pattern (scroll down for Blankets for the Home) I found via Ravelry is this little ditty (Ravelry link).  SK loved Spiderman before it was cool to love Spiderman.  When I first met him, I had to visit to ebay to find anything with Spiderman on it.  Now I can enter a gas station to find soda, chips, & lighters with him emblazoned on it.  Obviously Gus has also fallen in love with anything Super Hero related.  I'm sure Tuck will be  no different.  Gus has 2 hand-knit blankets & Tuck should have 2 as well.  Since I'm still on a yarn diet, I've got to break down.  Ava & I have had many discussions on Caron's Simply Soft & how we simply love it.  Can I argue or fight with myself by spending $5 on yarn for a blanket?  Nope.

This weekend will still have us in clean up mode.  The office needs to be painted & put back in order.  Laundry is starting to crawl up the stairs.  And we've got a really big birthday to start preparing for.  One that involves a quesadilla, rice, cupcakes, balloons & trips to the potty.

It's Just that Simple

I must say, the quilt isn't folded very often.  I'm going to have to put it away our it will be very difficult to part with.  Shortly after I finished our blanket, I decided to make Betty & Veronica graduation quilts.  I thought this was a great plan since I gave myself a 2 year deadline!  And why not?  B & V deserve some handmade lovin'.  I adore my B & V!  ADORE!  This post is another reason why it's a good thing that our mother doesn't know about the blog.  As soon as she'd finish reading, I'd get a call or a comment full of tone.  "You should declare your love for all of your nieces & nephews equally.  Post about all of them.  Now!"  But as I've told her numerous times, B & V are different.

Ava had B & V while I was in eighth grade.  Our mother was very good at reminding us that we had all of our lives to be adults.  There were no drop-offs at the mall or pseudo-dates while we were in grade school.  We were simply dorky kids.  I'm aware that being in the eighth grade now is completely different than in 1990, but I'm pretty sure our mother wouldn't have budge on her strictness.  When B &V came to visit, it was all about them.  A number of things made their visits memorable.  First, since they're twins no one got to hog all the baby love.  Second, they were the best babies on this earth.  This fact has made it very difficult for me to call Ava & ask how to calm an irrational 18 month-old.  Her response is always, "I don't know.  B & V never did that."  Third, when they came to visit it wasn't for a day.  We got to play for a week on most visits.  In every sense of the phrase, I grew up with B & V.

They have have grown into smart, funny & beautiful people that I enjoy hanging out with.  Our conversations have grown from Beannie Babies, to college bound boyfriends, to inappropriate American Idol chatter.   Someday when I call to talk with Ava, I know that they won't be there but they'll be studying in their dorms.  I'm about to cry right now just thinking about that day.  So yes, I love all my nieces & nephews very very much.  But B & V are different.  They taught me how to be an aunt.

For these lovely ladies, how could I not give them the best I can push through my sewing machine?  I stuck to a simple pattern.  First, I wanted to show off the material.  Second, I wanted to make sure that I could complete a quilt without a lot of ripping & screaming.  There are a couple of things that I will do differently on the next one.  I will cut the quilt sandwich even prior to sewing the binding.  I will have my mom help me with how to connect the end to the beginning of the binding strip.  I fudged it after a couple of attempts, but I don't think she'll notice.  It's a good thing Ava had twins.  I've got another reason to hit the fabric stores.

Betty & Veronica,
When you go to college, try not to spill beer on the blanket.  If you have hippie friends (we all have them), don't spill bong water on the blanket.  And please, don't drop pizza on the blanket.  If you do, wash & dry it!  Just don't leave the laundry room or someone will take it.  Trust me, I've had less stolen.  I have a feeling that you won't need those words of warning.  You'll be studying, drinking healthy amounts of water & snacking on almonds.  Right?  Just say "yes" or else SK will go insane.
Love,
Auntie Lola

p.s.
I can't even comment on Ms. Spears performance.  I missed it, but have seen enough to feel sad & wounded.  I had such high hopes, Brit.  Someday you'll be back.

Touch of My Hand

I'll plan a proper post on Betty's quilt once I can photograph it in the correct light, but I couldn't resist a little peek.  I finished the binding on Friday, & it has gotten plenty of use since that final stitch.  I really couldn't be happier with my first rush into hand-binding.  Actually, it was the less work than the quilting, and very enjoyable in the end.  There was something calming about each little tug on the thread.  This thing HAD to be tossed in the wash.  I've been piecing it since I finished our home's Amy Butler quilt.  Betty's quilt has been dragged through our basement and up the dog-hair covered stairs a number of times.  When I crumbled it up & started the water, I said a little prayer to the Quilt Gods, "Please let the binding stay on. Please let the binding stay on."  When she emerged, every yard was properly stuck to the rest of the quilt.  And the invisible stitching on the binding, disappeared even more. Like I said, once the sun breaks, I'll post some pictures. 

As for now, I'm curled up in the guest room with Honeybee & some Zucchini Chocolate Chip (pdf.)  cookies eagerly awaiting Ms. Spears performance.  Can it happen?  Will it happen?  I'll be watching.

-Lola

Wasted

I've never been so excited to see Dr. Phil flash those judgmental eyes at me!  Because if he's flashing, it means I'm not in the car.  Oh thank you Doc!  You are so right, you can't teach a drowned possum how to swim. 

In this shittiest of shitty weeks, I managed to find a couple nuggets of Glee. I picked up another coffee mug that looks like a paper cup.  For some unexplained reason, I love these cups.   I not sure how I'd add to the collection.  Maybe if they released a 80's McDonald's coffee cup.  Fat chance, huh?

I started ripped strips for Gus' big boy quilt.  I've decided that I'm just going to hodge-podge it up & rip different widths, cut random blocks & sew them all together.  After doing a little bit of research (anyone recommend a good How-to Quilt Book?), quilting demands an understanding of color.  I don't really feel like trying to understand one more thing, so I'm sticking with these colors: Reds, Greens, Black & White.  I should be OK.  Right?  Maybe toss in some orange?  Who am I kidding, it's going to look like a rainbow puked all over his bed.  Another bright note of the week, I got the Tattoo fabric very early this morning. 

Here's a goal for the weekend, Finish the Ribby sleeves!  If I write it down, it has to happen.  That's what Oprah says.

Have a fabulous weekend.  I demand a lovely post about school letting out or the mischievous adventure of B & V.
-Lola
p.s. Anyone else cry when Jim walked in on Pam's interview? 

Smile

Ava,
I've been trying to think of how I'm going to tell you about my quilt, but I can't get Hot Fuzz out of my head.  I won't ruin anything for you, but I'll leave you with this:

• If we would have another baby, and pray to a god above that it's a boy, he'll be named Simon.

I'll start by stating, I'm not a quilter, nor does this make me believe that I'm even 1/16th of one.  I'm sure if any true quilter would look at it & there would be a number of mistakes that he/she would quickly spot.  Ever since the MDK book came out, I have this Blanket-Everyone mentality.  Problem is, I don't want to give the blankets away.  This one is no different.  I ran into a finished Lotus here, and this post made me say, "I can sew a seam."  Really this blanket is just a bunch of seams.  A bunch!

Here's what I learned: 

• I love Amy Butler!  Her fabrics made it enjoyable to keep sewing the strips.  I'd sew one and get excited about the next print.  When we visit her shop, I'm bringing a sharpie and flashing a boobie.

• Next time (that's right I said it) I'll take more care when cutting out the blocks.  There was no template, just a ruler and my rotary cutter.  I'm pretty sure that a good quilter wouldn't cut out 4 blocks at a time.
• Make sure that your sewing machine and iron are in good working condition.  Since this quilt, we've purchased a new iron and the machine is going to be serviced.  If this was done prior, the process may have been easier.

I can't complain about this quilt.  I only ripped out one row and only said "No one will notice" twice.  SK said, "Can we give this project a story or a reason?"  What the Lola-Went-Insane-For-a-Weekend one isn't good enough?

Gus is visiting his GP's, and I'm looking forward to a nice long uninterrupted nap underneath it sometime around 2 p.m. Just thought I'd share some interesting links to keep you entertained while in class:

• The pattern I've been coveting for a couple months now is going to be released this summer.
• This yarn will be mine and will sit with all the other unused P & C yarn I already own.
• My current crush and future baby's namesake.
• Preview is out, and I'm not sure about it.  Love the hat.

Have fun in Saturday school, nerd!
-Lola

Cover Me

I just know that you're in a frenzy to catch a glimpse of my Lotus.  Because I'm a nice sister, here's a teaser.  I'll post the details tomorrow cause I need to hit the showers.  Got to prepare for some Hot Fuzz!  Hello my lil' Simon...

-Lola

Walking After Midnight

Sunday Afternoon a Quilt Top Appeared on Lola's Doorsteps