Six Rows Done

Day 194: I don't think I have ever enjoyed making a quilt as much as I am enjoying making this one. Part of that is due to the fact that it is entirely hand-sewn, and that it is a "lap project" because each hexagon is made separately and then sewn onto the ones previously assembled. Having said that, I think the real joy is in using the fabrics given to me by friends from all over, including as far away as New Zealand! I am making two of each combination as I go, and when I have completed eight and a half rows, I'll be halfway, and it will be time to arrange the duplicates randomly in the second half of the quilt. Obviously, the second half will go more quickly because the hexagons are already made. Thanks go to the friends who have contributed from their stashes and scrap bags. If you don't see your fabric in this quilt, I've had so much fun making this one that I may make another right on its heels, or even another Double Wedding Ring, although DWR would be pieced on the sewing machine.

Quick And Crazy

Day 253: Despite the fact that I have been working on two quilt tops simultaneously, I managed to complete the 30 blocks for the Crazy Quilt in a mere two weeks. I finished assembling them this morning. Because this quilt is foundation-pieced (i.e., the fabrics are stitched onto muslin squares), it is a bit heavier than usual, which means that batting it is not absolutely necessary, although a thin batt could be used if desired. Right now, I plan to simply back it with another piece of muslin, bind the edges and tie it at either the corners or centers of the blocks. It measures 62" x 51", the perfect size for a lap throw or "cuddle blanket." The second quilt is coming along famously as well, and is also made from scraps cut into regularly shaped pieces, but the best news is that my stash of leftover fabrics has shrunk considerably. Time to start laying in a new supply!

Lozenges Lap-robe

Day 104: As you might expect for someone who knits and crochets as much as I do, I wind up with a lot of tag ends of yarn in a very wide array of colours. Thrifty Scot that I am, these can't just be assigned to the bin. They have to be used down to the last few inches. One of the ways I use up the longer pieces is in "scrap-ghans" where each horizontal row is a different colour, but usually with a unifying colour repeating at regular intervals. Here, seven rows of lozenges are separated by an eighth row in black. The edge of the afghan will also be worked in black. This one is destined to be sold at Mount Rainier National Park's Christmas party silent auction. Proceeds benefit the employee fund which in turn pays for the Christmas party. It's a self-renewing loop!