NPRINS

Dear readers, I was in Jacksonville teaching while Tropical Storm Debby approached and passed us this week.  I was in a hotel during the deluge of precipitation when an idea struck and I braved the rains to shop at Michael for knitting and knitting related supplies! So, I bought the book Simple Knitting: A Complete How To Workshop with 20 Projects , some Japanese wooden needles and with the help of Video Jug  and  Knittinghelp.com    - I learned to knit. My creations so far are ridiculously offensive. I've learned the knit stitch, purl stitch, most combinations thereof, cast-on (two methods),  bind off.  I still have to learn increasing, decreasing, yarn off, and kitchenette.  But, good progress in a week.  I'm using wooden needles so far, feel free to add comments or suggestions. I've been inspired by seamsters and fabric artists Kristin  and  Katie . But, I've got a project on the horizon - a endless scarf or cowl. Here's some gr...

Dear readers, Final modern quilt square challenge, second try. A few weeks ago I attended a meeting of the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild.  When I asked why I joined -  I replied that I wanted to be excited and enthusiastic about quilting.  If you remember, I felt that while doing the actual quilting - rather than piecing - I literally felt that I was working in a sweatshop.  I discussed my concerns of my previous quilting experiences with the group. Photo courtesy of Chicago Historical Society,  Link Here. (they don't exactly looked thrilled, do they?) A few members thoughtfully offered that my issue with boredom is hat I was using a pattern, rather than my own design.  And, they shared that they felt the same issues with quilting patterns. But then I began to reflect on the experience.  Perhaps this is true as well with making commercial patterns.  I did very much enjoy making my own designs from my slopers (or basic blocks).  Of course with co...

Dear readers, I'm not sure if I have mentioned this - but I visited (on a work trip) Portland for a week.  I took my Brompton and rode around the city after hours.  I learned the quadrants, met with a custom bike builder (I'm planning on buying a custom or semi-custom bike) and went to several bike shops. The one fabric shop I was completely swooning over was a little more than 5 miles SSE of downtown  - Portland Woolen Mills  -  Here's a sampling of the fabrics I bought seriously on sale:  Riding back from the Woolen Mills (a side trip down Sweetwater trail) loaded up with fabric: It is worth it - I highly recommend it.  I didn't get to go to those other Portland sewing institutions, like Fabric Depot, Bolt or Scrap.  Next trip. Here is what I plan to make with the fabric draped on the dress form - this vest below was offered as part of the Pendleton Winter line this year (for an outrageous amount (I think $278?) - I purchased the fabric above fo...