packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
I'll start a new thread sometime in September for the coming Fall, and that's if we see a real summer thanks to the volcanic activity around the planet and the grand solar minimum.
Misc Summer 2021 Stitch and Chat thread
- Thread starter packyderms_wife
- Start date
AlaskaSue
North to the Future
Right now I’m getting my new Janome hand-wheel machine figured out. No electric and it does sew like a dream. I also have an 1862 treadle with original cabinet - works fine, but I need to replace the belt. Hope to have a couple projects on these two this coming winter as well as some quilts and clothing on the ‘normal’ Janome. 
So many projects, so little time....
...meanwhile, back to the garden...
So many projects, so little time.......meanwhile, back to the garden...
Seeker22
Has No Life - Lives on TB
If you told me last year at this time, I'd be bundled up in a sweater knitting, I'd have told you something about the state of your mind. It's June in South Texas?!
Here I am. It gets warmer in the afternoons, but mornings are wonderful for yarn. No sticky fingers.
I have watched a lot of videos on how to do Fair Isle knitting and finally settled on the two handed approach. As a Continental knitter, this took some getting used to. Then, I went in search of something to shorten those floats.
The Philosopher's Wool Method. Those little floats went from being an inch and a half long down to less than 3/8ths of an inch in Worsted. They will be half that in Sport or Sock yarn. A little more work, but the back looks as good as the front.
This is the pattern I am working on. It is actually a Brother knitting machine pattern I re-graphed for my own use. This will be hand knit.
The first one (without the side diamonds) will be a border for an afghan I Crocheted. The next Afghan I make will have strips of this pattern with the diamonds (is 36 stitches wide) in different colors in strips with strips of Horseshoe Lace in Ecru/Tan/Taupe? in between. Haven't decided on which stitch I will connect them with? Maybe I'll get some ideas from you? Doing strips will be easier than having the entire huge thing on the Circulars.
Here I am. It gets warmer in the afternoons, but mornings are wonderful for yarn. No sticky fingers.
I have watched a lot of videos on how to do Fair Isle knitting and finally settled on the two handed approach. As a Continental knitter, this took some getting used to. Then, I went in search of something to shorten those floats.
The Philosopher's Wool Method. Those little floats went from being an inch and a half long down to less than 3/8ths of an inch in Worsted. They will be half that in Sport or Sock yarn. A little more work, but the back looks as good as the front.
This is the pattern I am working on. It is actually a Brother knitting machine pattern I re-graphed for my own use. This will be hand knit.
The first one (without the side diamonds) will be a border for an afghan I Crocheted. The next Afghan I make will have strips of this pattern with the diamonds (is 36 stitches wide) in different colors in strips with strips of Horseshoe Lace in Ecru/Tan/Taupe? in between. Haven't decided on which stitch I will connect them with? Maybe I'll get some ideas from you? Doing strips will be easier than having the entire huge thing on the Circulars.
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O2BNOK
Veteran Member
Trying to get Christmas quilts done in time. Started and finished this one this month for my brother, a Vietnam veteran. Pictured is just the finished top. Put a great backing with the Declaration of Independence printed on it. Red and blue diagonal striped binding. Now working on the quilting of second brother's quilt.
ScarlettFayt
Inactive
Currently working on a few crochet orders that I have, and trying to put in more shelves to better organize my yarn stash...that seems to be spreading throughout the house. lol
My fabric stash feels like it is taking over the house.
Been listening to quilt channel YT's as background while stitching. Ended up giving one of my favorite channels a Thumbs Down - was an interview, and it got political. Of course, the guest yammering away about her crafty publishing biz just assumed we were all on board with her BLM crap.
Really hope the quilting social media scene doesn't go toxic like the knitting "community" did.
Been listening to quilt channel YT's as background while stitching. Ended up giving one of my favorite channels a Thumbs Down - was an interview, and it got political. Of course, the guest yammering away about her crafty publishing biz just assumed we were all on board with her BLM crap.
Really hope the quilting social media scene doesn't go toxic like the knitting "community" did.
Broken Arrow
Heathen Pagan Witch
Still working thru customer fleeces. Plus I still have the mill fleeces to go thru before I can take them over for processing. Been slow going this year due to other farm stuff we are busting butt to get done. County fair is next week and I have one garment to enter. Plus our local spinning group will be spending 3 days demo-ing fiber arts down there.
briches
Veteran Member
That is absolutely beautiful!! I wish I had that talent. What an absolutely precious gift.
Broken Arrow
Heathen Pagan Witch
A little Ha Ha for you all!
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
And this is why I kept my spinning wheel and keep up on my spinning skills.
ScarlettFayt
Inactive
I would like to learn, but literally have no room for it. lol
I'd be happy just to say I made one skein of my own yarn.
I'd be happy just to say I made one skein of my own yarn.
Some of us use spindles.
This Friday is World Embroidery Day.
I was unaware until listening to Gary Parr's (mostly) cross stitch podcast, last night.
Not sure what we should do to mark it, I'll probably put some lazy dasyies (pl. spell?) on a couple of hexies.
The link here gives a brief history, of the brief history. Reportedly started in Sweden ten years ago.
sfneedleworkanddesign.org
Anyone got a gathering scheduled, or special plans?
I was unaware until listening to Gary Parr's (mostly) cross stitch podcast, last night.
Not sure what we should do to mark it, I'll probably put some lazy dasyies (pl. spell?) on a couple of hexies.
The link here gives a brief history, of the brief history. Reportedly started in Sweden ten years ago.
San Francisco School of Needlework and Design
SFSNAD is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and preservation of hand embroidery and needlework objects. We do this by offering high quality, educational and exhibition opportunities that honor imagination and creativity, with the goal of advancing the knowledge of needlework and
sfneedleworkanddesign.org
Anyone got a gathering scheduled, or special plans?
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Drop spindle, it's what spinners used for thousands of years.
Best thing since sliced bread.
Been working in applique. Silk thread, and size 11 milliner's needle. If you can't see to thread the needle, you can't see well enough to read the micro print instructions on how to use the threader. Anyway, after groping through some brain fog, I finally got it figured out.
Amazing. I haven't yet tried it on thicker quilting thread, and my size 10 sharps.
Been watching Esther Miller videos, and also what little there is on British Durham and North Country style quilting. While other works are more eye catching, personally, I don't think it gets any more satisfying than a strippy with an undulating feather down every other panel. Also love the geometric that goes down the alternate panels. I want a charcoal/chalk pounceable template for that, but haven't yet found one. I'm back to a hoop, and I found a thimble I really like (imagine that!) - the divots are deep, and they dependably HOLD the end of the needle. Much better. Also waiting on the delayed mail to deliver a ring thingy that Miller wears on her hand that cuts the thread, but MOST importantly, grabs the little needle to pull after it is loaded with stitches. I've been using a small jeweler's bent angle set of pliers. Works, but a bit clumsy.
Been working in applique. Silk thread, and size 11 milliner's needle. If you can't see to thread the needle, you can't see well enough to read the micro print instructions on how to use the threader. Anyway, after groping through some brain fog, I finally got it figured out.
Amazing. I haven't yet tried it on thicker quilting thread, and my size 10 sharps.
Been watching Esther Miller videos, and also what little there is on British Durham and North Country style quilting. While other works are more eye catching, personally, I don't think it gets any more satisfying than a strippy with an undulating feather down every other panel. Also love the geometric that goes down the alternate panels. I want a charcoal/chalk pounceable template for that, but haven't yet found one. I'm back to a hoop, and I found a thimble I really like (imagine that!) - the divots are deep, and they dependably HOLD the end of the needle. Much better. Also waiting on the delayed mail to deliver a ring thingy that Miller wears on her hand that cuts the thread, but MOST importantly, grabs the little needle to pull after it is loaded with stitches. I've been using a small jeweler's bent angle set of pliers. Works, but a bit clumsy.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Sorry, no real experience with needlepoint over here, I tried it once and didn't like it at all. I'd probably type in needlepoint for beginners over on YouTube and see what comes up. The top instructors will be the first ones listed in their queue.
Here's a list:
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Links for the thimble and the ring cutter?
Samuel Adams
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Good morning, Ladies.
So I’ve been taking advantage of some of these warm sunny days to wash (and dry, of course) some of her old wool and mohair sweaters.
I seem to be having issue getting some of the more soiled areas (neck, cuffs.....she was a hard working girl) to come clean, especially in a couple of her dusty pinks....
It almost seems as though the color in those areas has faded, but can’t be sure.
Is there a product that could be more liberally applied (safely) in those areas to bring out the stain, or, if it turns out that the color has merely faded out, can the whole thing be overdyed to a gently more robust shade of the same color ?
They are all handknits, of 90%+ natural fibers......
So I’ve been taking advantage of some of these warm sunny days to wash (and dry, of course) some of her old wool and mohair sweaters.
I seem to be having issue getting some of the more soiled areas (neck, cuffs.....she was a hard working girl) to come clean, especially in a couple of her dusty pinks....
It almost seems as though the color in those areas has faded, but can’t be sure.
Is there a product that could be more liberally applied (safely) in those areas to bring out the stain, or, if it turns out that the color has merely faded out, can the whole thing be overdyed to a gently more robust shade of the same color ?
They are all handknits, of 90%+ natural fibers......
Broken Arrow
Heathen Pagan Witch
Good morning, Ladies.
So I’ve been taking advantage of some of these warm sunny days to wash (and dry, of course) some of her old wool and mohair sweaters.
I seem to be having issue getting some of the more soiled areas (neck, cuffs.....she was a hard working girl) to come clean, especially in a couple of her dusty pinks....
It almost seems as though the color in those areas has faded, but can’t be sure.
Is there a product that could be more liberally applied (safely) in those areas to bring out the stain, or, if it turns out that the color has merely faded out, can the whole thing be overdyed to a gently more robust shade of the same color ?
They are all handknits, of 90%+ natural fibers......
You can try kookuburra wool wash on them. Ph balanced, plant based soap that wont damange the wool. Soaking in that for a day in cool water can release the dirt. If it's a fading issue yes they can be over dyed.
Samuel Adams
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you, BA.
In the event I choose to over dye, what is a recommended process, in a nutshell ?
I’ve heard of using vinegar as a kind of “primer” ?
And I’ve heard that koolaid actually does a decent job of permanent coloring ?
Any better ideas or techniques ?
Concentrations in solution ?
In the event I choose to over dye, what is a recommended process, in a nutshell ?
I’ve heard of using vinegar as a kind of “primer” ?
And I’ve heard that koolaid actually does a decent job of permanent coloring ?
Any better ideas or techniques ?
Concentrations in solution ?
Broken Arrow
Heathen Pagan Witch
Dharma Trading
Dharma has a great choice of Acid dyes to work with. I've use the Dharma Acid with great success. They also have excellent how-to instructions on their site so you know what your getting into before hand.
If that is not something you are willing to take on, I know several indy dyers that might be willing to take on your sweaters and overdye them. No guarantee they will but I can ask.
Agreed. But PLEASE... don't ruin good wool with Kool-aid dyes! The colors are so harsh and artificial ...
Summerthyme
Broken Arrow
Heathen Pagan Witch
Not to mention they fade out quickly in the sun
Samuel Adams
Has No Life - Lives on TB
And that......is why I asked.
I’m not afraid to give it a go, myself.
I’m not afraid to give it a go, myself.
Broken Arrow
Heathen Pagan Witch
I like big fluffy butts, and I can not lie! You other sheep can't deny, that when a ewe walks in with an itty bitty nose and a fluffy thing in your face, you get fleece!!!!
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
And that......is why I asked.
I’m not afraid to give it a go, myself.
No koolaid for dyeing wool, or any fibers, period! Acid dyes or natural dyes only. Oh and don't use Procion dyes, those are meant for cellulosic fibers only. I agree with going over to Dharma and looking at their dyes for dyeing wool aka protein fibers.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
I like big fluffy butts too, can't have them here in town though.
ScarlettFayt
Inactive
Just finished this for an order. As cute as it is, it was a pain in the rear and very time consuming. 
Been working on finishing the 10 year old Unfinished Object. It was so close, and most of it is good. I've made my peace with the parts that I don't like as much. A week of two of work left?
Also, piecing together a huge pile of 6" (finished) nine-patch squares I made a couple of years ago. I had left off feeling discouraged in part, because the med and darker blues that I like to work with were so hard to mark with a fine line I could actually SEE. Solved that, and marking is faster and more accurate (and more visible) than ever. GOOD! I have Karen Kay's Perfect Pins on order, because they are apparently the thinnest available, and I hate the way a typical sewing pin distorts the fabric. I mostly thread baste, in order to avoid the problems that pins cause in hand piecing.
Turns out I didn't like the ring thingy that grips the quilting needle to pull it out. You have to hold your hand at a very awkward angle to get it to work, and it is more clumbsy for me than the little bent-nose jeweler's pliers. Amazon.com: Adjustable Finger Metal Thimbles and 3 in 1 Needle Puller Set,Shield Protector Pin Needles Sewing Quilting Craft Accessories (Red, M)
Packy, per your earlier request, that is the link to the one I bought, if you still want to check it out. This ring gripper comes with a thimble, you can get them a bit cheaper without that. (This is not a thimble I like, the thread gets caught on the adjustable part, and while the divots are too slippery for the hand that pushes the needle in, the shape of the tip is wrong for the hand that directs the needle point underneath the hoop.) The thimble I purchased that I like (for pushing the needle in from above) was at WalMart, has a purple rubbery sheath, and a hard white plastic tip with narrow and deep indents. I think it runs a tad small, but I didn't see multiple sizes. Maybe I would try a larger size, but it does stay put.
Also, piecing together a huge pile of 6" (finished) nine-patch squares I made a couple of years ago. I had left off feeling discouraged in part, because the med and darker blues that I like to work with were so hard to mark with a fine line I could actually SEE. Solved that, and marking is faster and more accurate (and more visible) than ever. GOOD! I have Karen Kay's Perfect Pins on order, because they are apparently the thinnest available, and I hate the way a typical sewing pin distorts the fabric. I mostly thread baste, in order to avoid the problems that pins cause in hand piecing.
Turns out I didn't like the ring thingy that grips the quilting needle to pull it out. You have to hold your hand at a very awkward angle to get it to work, and it is more clumbsy for me than the little bent-nose jeweler's pliers. Amazon.com: Adjustable Finger Metal Thimbles and 3 in 1 Needle Puller Set,Shield Protector Pin Needles Sewing Quilting Craft Accessories (Red, M)
Packy, per your earlier request, that is the link to the one I bought, if you still want to check it out. This ring gripper comes with a thimble, you can get them a bit cheaper without that. (This is not a thimble I like, the thread gets caught on the adjustable part, and while the divots are too slippery for the hand that pushes the needle in, the shape of the tip is wrong for the hand that directs the needle point underneath the hoop.) The thimble I purchased that I like (for pushing the needle in from above) was at WalMart, has a purple rubbery sheath, and a hard white plastic tip with narrow and deep indents. I think it runs a tad small, but I didn't see multiple sizes. Maybe I would try a larger size, but it does stay put.
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Fabric crisis! It was my favorite, a light beige with bronzy flower sprigs (thistle?) strewn across it. Liked it so much, I bought it twice, at least a yard each. Planned a quilt around it, and most of my stack of nine patches incorporate it. Been cutting into it for various projects for about the last two to three years, never worrying, 'cause there always was that "extra." Nope; not any more, all gone.
I'll have to check what Edinta Sitar has for this year (was out of her line), and Hancocks of Paduca might still stock some (they seem to always carry EVERYTHING), but ach....I'm just going to find something else. So those nine patches are all on hold. I'll place an order on the First, and hope that whatever shade the monitor doesn't match, that it ends up being compatible anyway.
Then, I misplaced my thimble, and didn't find it 'till the next day (put where it was supposed to be - I am loosing/loseing? my mind.) Quilted 90% of that ten year old project long ago with another thimble, but now I can't function w/o this new one. Will be getting a back-up next time I'm at WM.
Am finishing up on the next-to-last square of a quilt-as-you-go project that will hang in the bedroom doorway. I am not liking that technique as much as I thought I would, although it does have some advantages. These blocks are mostly applique (and where the last of the Edinta spriggy floral inadvertently went). Have been referring to Becky Goldsmith videos to get good results on that. I've found I prefer her traditional needle-turn methods over the modern glue, starch, and press around a template method that seems to get more attention today. One thing I won't bother with is back-basting; working on the reverse, and working on a light table drives me nuts!
I'll have to check what Edinta Sitar has for this year (was out of her line), and Hancocks of Paduca might still stock some (they seem to always carry EVERYTHING), but ach....I'm just going to find something else. So those nine patches are all on hold. I'll place an order on the First, and hope that whatever shade the monitor doesn't match, that it ends up being compatible anyway.
Then, I misplaced my thimble, and didn't find it 'till the next day (put where it was supposed to be - I am loosing/loseing? my mind.) Quilted 90% of that ten year old project long ago with another thimble, but now I can't function w/o this new one. Will be getting a back-up next time I'm at WM.
Am finishing up on the next-to-last square of a quilt-as-you-go project that will hang in the bedroom doorway. I am not liking that technique as much as I thought I would, although it does have some advantages. These blocks are mostly applique (and where the last of the Edinta spriggy floral inadvertently went). Have been referring to Becky Goldsmith videos to get good results on that. I've found I prefer her traditional needle-turn methods over the modern glue, starch, and press around a template method that seems to get more attention today. One thing I won't bother with is back-basting; working on the reverse, and working on a light table drives me nuts!
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
got a photo of the fabric? Also got the selveges still with the color swatches and fabric pattern name/code on it?
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
These guys typically have what I need when something is no longer in stock at my local store
www.missouriquiltco.com
Huge selection of quilting precuts & quilt fabric by the yard
Shop Missouri Star Quilt Co. for all your quilting needs, from quilt fabric, precuts, kits, patterns & notions to mail-in machine quilting services!
www.missouriquiltco.com
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Is it one of these?
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Here's a link to one of her fabric lines, hopefully this is of some help. Walks slowly away from the computer, I will not be buying fabric today!
oldcountrystorefabrics.com
Fabric Lines Designers > Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts - Old Country Store Fabrics
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Andover - Little Sweetheart - A-8822-L - Old Country Store Fabrics
Not thistles but does look like a bronzy flower sprig on a beige background.
LOL. I already have that one! Very pretty, but a little peachy in tone, or I would use it. This quilt took a turn for "scrappy" sometime ago, so I'm not worried. Just have to find something in the right range of colorAndover - Little Sweetheart - A-8822-L - Old Country Store Fabrics
Not thistles but does look like a bronzy flower sprig on a beige background.