Fabric Shopping Spree!!

Spent a beautiful Fall day in Pittsburgh fabric shopping. Went to what may well be my favorite fabric store ever, Loom in the Strip District: http://www.loomshowroom.com/
I purchase some festive seasonal fabric to make a few little gifts out of. After my purchase was cut and on the counter, an older lady who was browsing looked at it and said "I was looking for some Christmas fabric...but this isn't exactly what I had in mind..."

But really, can you think of a better holiday print? I can't.

The next fabric I absolutely couldn't pass up. I can see in my mind what I want but haven't found the accent pieces.

I can see it cut into large squares, with sashing that looks retro, possibly some cocktails or martini glasses or something...I just think the print is fabulous and could make a stunning quilt.

The next two I bought specifically for a charm pack that I bought from Pure by Moda. The ampersands will be the backing fabric and the argyle the sashing/border. Got a tool that will help make a pinwheel  without all the tedious measuring and cutting.

Iit was a very productive afternoon, full of inspiration and I can't wait to get work on something!

I get to see my darling friend tomorrow, one I always knit/crochet with. She has a project she's stuck on so we'll be working on a crochet project for her adorable little girl.
More pictures to come! Happy crafting.

I've been tasked with making a quilt for my brother and sister-in-law out of these gorgeous fabrics that he brought back from Mozambique. I'm in love with the fabrics- they'll make something fabulous no matter what I do with them. Good eye, brother.

 I initially thought to make this one the backing to preserve the design, but

this one might need to be the back because I love the way the circles interact with each other. And perhaps that top fabric can be cut into large squares. Thoughts on this?

These three can be cut in any fashion and still be stunning, I think.

I'm just in the process of sitting and staring at them, waiting for them to speak to me. I'm a little afraid to start cutting until I have a clearer idea of what to do. 

Stashbuster

I've been working on this blanket for a long while now. I wanted to crochet a large project but lacked the money to fund it...so I decided to use up my odds 'n' ends, or the yarns that I bought for a specific project that never panned out. So I didn't worry about matching, or even coordinating, the colors, I just dove in to my stash and picked out the next yarn. It's very warm and cozy, and now my yarn bin doesn't taunt me with its unused supply.

But now that I've completed it, I'm jonesing for another large crochet project.

My first (mostly) successful border (wizard of oz quilt)

I used the method described here http://www.quiltville.com/borderhints.shtml and I wound up with a quilt border that actually lies flat! In the past I've avoided borders because my first attempt at one was a wavy disaster, but  had no choice but to face it head on with this quilt pattern, and I won. A few minor mistakes that can be fixed when I add the border at the end after it's quilted together, but I feel quite triumphant.

First Post Ever

It's been in the back of my mind for a long time to start a blog where I can post my completed projects, or my works in progress. A more appropriate setting for my photos than just throwing them on facebook. Since I first thought of starting this blog, I've completed dozens of projects, and every time I do, I think "I should really start that blog." So here goes. I finally did it.

And now, the first project of the blog, made while the Steelers were beating the Browns.

Made using the pattern http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTfoliage.html and some plain black yarn I had lying around.