I love the start of a New Year. 

Possibilities are endless!

(Except....when you try to sew in a zipper, or do a fancy seam and realize, uh oh. 

This might be a little more challenging than I thought.)

So I am going to pick one skill a month or so and totally work through it, as much as I can.

Starting with small projects and setting goals for big projects, incorporating the skills learned as we go!

Who wants to join in? 

 

 Let's share what we learn & make!

Our own special hashtag -   #skillbuilding2015  to IG/Tweet progress!

Know a great tutorial? Someone who nails these skills?

Post links in our comments & let's get sewing!

Planning the Year

I'm an Aries.

So, I almost always bite off more than I can chew.

Usually, anyway.

I start out with grandiose plans and then have to scale back somewhat.

I like to make lists to help me keep focused, and I usually put easy stuff on there that I'm always going to accomplish...like............ "Pet Cats" ..."Make Coffee"....you get the picture.

So, this year is going to be the year that I slow down and focus a little more.

Focus on friends, in person, not always online.

Focus on building skills, one project at a time. (This one's gonna be hard)

Focus on FINISHING the many quilt tops/projects currently on the go.

So, here is my List for 2015. It is flexible, amendable, and hopefully, attainable!

1. Learn how to Cable Knit.

2. Knit a sweater using Cable Knit skills.

3. Pet Cats.

4. Clean out bathroom closet - any old toiletries/makeup/etcetc is going out!

5. Finish up all quilt tops.

5.1 Finish up all UFO projects.

6. Learn how to properly sew in zippers and make some zipper pouches.

7. Vaccuum.

8. Get back into hitting the gym thrice weekly.

9. Use more words like "thrice".

10.  Be a better person.

And because all things good to to Eleven:

11. PLAN MY WEDDING!!!!!!

(Oh...and work on my blog. And blogging audience. And photo skills. And clean out the basement. And get my car fixed up. And work on leaning OT stuff to help my Mama and keep her sharp. Get her back knitting again. Find a great therapist to help her relearn to walk. And tell Mr. J I love him each and every day a million times a million.)

Bring it on, 2015.

Knitted Infinity Scarves

I've said it before and I'll say it again....infinity scarves are a HOT item right now. 

In fact I'm surprised it took us all so long to catch on; living through a Canadian winter you practically wrap a sleeping bag around your head to keep warm...(not really) but a circular scarf with no end that you wrap and wrap...with no ends flapping around...genius!!

I have an Etsy Shop WonderbunnieDesigns, and I have had a heck of a time

keeping it stocked with scarves.

They are all knitted by me, with two types of yarn knitted together. That gives more oomph and  'oooh' factor. Cozy and warm; you can loop it once, or twice around - it can go up to your ears if you like.

Care is simply wash by hand, mild detergent and lay flat to dry.

Like any natural fiber, if it stretches out, simply wash, lay it flat, and stretch it back to it's shape whilst drying.

Here are some designs I have made, some are in the shop and some sell out as quick as I post them!

"Purple Multi Mix" indoors lighting

"Purple Multi Mix"

"Autumn Mix" Brown & Multi mix

"Purple Multi Mix"

"Not So Plain Jane" Chocolate Brown. Goes with Everything!

"Not so Plain Janes" are also available in: Rich Purple, Soft Bright Yellow, Blackest Black, Navy, White, Medium Orange, Dark Green, Soft Pink and Hot Pink (shown), Dark Chocolate Brown (shown) and Cranberry (shown).

,

Hot Pink "Not so Plain Jane"

"Natural Blends" Barley & Taupe

"Natural Blend"

"Barley Brown" Chocolate and Variegated Barley/Natural

"Barley Brown"

"Northern Lights" Gorgeous Blues, purples, greens mix with navy blue.

"Northern Lights"

"Stormy" Silver metallic blend with deep green, sea blues, dark blue

"Stormy"

 

"Winter Wheat" Taupe & Off white

Close up of "Winter Wheat"

"Sequin Green Mix"

"Sequin Green Mix" dark green yarn & multi

More to come... Keep an eye on the Etsy shop!

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Outlander Knits - Easy Tutorial!

I love to read.
One series I have loved loved LOVED for years is Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series.

 When I was a kid, I spent my summers at the library, scouring the aisles for new stories and characters to take me away.... and as an adult I *still* love to read; however when I'm sewing, it's easier to listen to audiobooks.

And one series I have loved loved LOVED for years is Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series.

Ahhh Scotsmen. Kilts. Bodice Ripping. Time Travel. Romance. Intrigue. History. A great mix.

And now, it's been brought to life in a great TV series, and in my humble opinion, they've done a great job of it all. From casting to locations to costuming. It's perfect.

And one thing I always notice are the costuming accessories...and in Outlander, I was not disappointed.  Oh my. Love them all.

The scarves! The knits! The shawls!

SO I was inspired to knit. And I like to knit, but I like easy and quick projects.

So here's my take on the current "Infinity Scarf/Cowl" trend; which is fashionable AND practical, especially if you live in a colder region like I do.

Here's some of my Outlander Tributes.

These are all on my Etsy shop.

 

 

Want your own Quick-Knit Cowl/Infinity Scarf? 

Here's how.

 

For a skinny scarf; about 6 inches wide and 24 inches long (48 inches circumference)

 2 balls 100g /3.5oz

For wider scarf, 12 inches wide same length

4 balls 100g/3.5 oz

Shown here with Isaac Mizrahi yarn & Loops & Threads Charisma.

I used several types; Bernat Softee Chunky, Loops & Threads Charisma to name a few.

 

 

1. Using HUGE 15mm needles; cast on two strands of the yarn you are using, 85 stitches.

 

2.Straight knit for approx 12 -15 rows for a narrower scarf. Straight knit approx 25 rows for wider scarf. Bind off when desired width is met.

3.Join ends by sewing together, using the 'tail' of the casting on or using the binding off tail.

Couldn't be easier!!

You can get fancy if you like, knit & purl for varying textures.

 Yes, you can use circular needles; then no need to join the ends. 

It all depends what you personally prefer.

 

 

And now for your Sunday viewing pleasure; may I present Jamie Fraser, Lord of Lallybroch.

Brooding Scotsman, on the Moor. Yum.

Firelit Yum.

Yum on a horse.

Holiday time....again?!?

Annnnd it's HOLIDAY time again!!!

Unbelievable how fast time moves.

What with the move and the new job; I simply haven't had time to sew. And also it doesn't help I haven't even really unpacked my sewing room....but I have found time to acquire new fabric...:D

Crappy pic; I used my puter cam. There's my arm!

I have been working on knitting some of those 'infinity' scarves for Christmas gifts; I've been using the Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick so I can get 4 or 5 finished before Christmas.
I'm adding in a skein of Patons' Sequin Lace to make it extra soft & sparkly; and if I have time might sew in some extra sparkly beads I have kicking around somewhere.







 Today also started my test baking. I test out new recipes or mess with my old ones; and I just like to try them out before I give them out. Heh. Today was peanut butter fudge...omg. Sugar rush!

I tried Sally's recipe and it is SO good. And SO easy you won't beleive it. I've tried so many of her recipes and haven't gone wrong ever! I've never met her but I love having her (in blog form lol) in my kitchen as we cook.

Oh dear....someone's been muching

Here's the link: Sally's Baking Addiction Blog.   I added Reese's Pieces to mine; so yummy!

That's all in my world...dishes are done, movie is on, kitty is purring....couch potato time!


***

WIPS:  New Christmas quilt to brighten up Mom's room at her home. It's pretty dull in there.

Top secret gift for someone who may (or may not) read this; and so, it shall remain a secret. But there will be one to keep and two to give.

Um...there's a few other WIPS that I haven't unpacked yet so....

Update & Happy Mardi Gras!!!!

Lots going on here at The Quilt Cave. Christmas was lovely, gifts exchanged and everyone enjoyed the Big Turkey Dinner. (That I nearly dropped on the floor, but that's another story a la Mr. Bean).

I haven't had much time for sewing, we are in the process of selling the house and so, must keep everything contained and neat and orderly. *Snort*

I do have a few WIPS (of course) and plenty of UFOS....

A new favourite full sized WIP

! I did finish a whole bunch of Bloomers however for the shop, to go along with the Custom designs, and  I think I will be adding more colours this summer...keep your eyes peeled!

Well y'all, as they say down in N'awlins.... Laissez les bons temps rouler!!

Someone has claimed this Sprocket pillow as his own.

A few pics for you on this blustery cold Feb Mardi Gras....

The BEST spelling mistake ever....read carefully...a little sewing humour

MY favourite couch blanket made with Moda and Bernat yarns, it's twin sized, took me almost a year. Ha. Perfect to snuggle under...