Another finish

 

My second finished quilt of 2025. That is not like me at all. It’s a buggy barn pattern so was quick to sew and all fat quarters, nothing left for borders or binding ……….make do with what I have……..look in the box of binding bits for something that might work ah ha but not enough dig a little more……. that works and done!!—Ann—

Tadada done

 

A finish finally. This was fun to sew but took much longer than it should have— life happens with lots of distractions and interruptions.  My niece came over with a sewing project she wanted to make a boot bag for one of her roommates I got to work on this between helping her. She found a pattern on the internet but didn’t take the time to print but she did have the boots soooooooo I laid the boots on a large sheet of paper and drew around them we figured it out as we went. The boot bag has enough room for a six pack.  This quilt I think the little guy might like the back better than the front. I’m calling it Racoons in the Corn. —Ann—

Pausing

 I sat in my sunroom (however it is not a sunroom until afternoon and it’s overcast and snow is forecast) to drink my coffee I watched the squirrels in the trees. They have a nest in the spruce tree. They were not posing for my camera I wondered do they enjoy the Christmas lights or do they grumble that the lights keep them awake at night. I’m a night owl and always up until midnight so if the lights bother them they might have packed up and moved years ago. I think they enjoy the lights. Coffee finished I went downstairs to machine quilt and emptied my bobbin as it was winding I saw this rabbit in my shrubs and juncos and blue jays and the busy little squirrels in and under the trees. It’s always good to pause and take in nature. Back to machine quilting. —Ann—

First check off the list…..

 

The tree is decorated!! On to the Santas but first dust the shelves then remember where all the little display enhancements are……drink my coffee first……preparations……..—Ann—

Off the needles!!

 

Finished. This is the fastest I have ever knit an adult size sweater but when I’m using #10 needles it does go fast. I washed it twice because the first time it didn’t shrink in length the way my swatch did which was a scant half inch of a 4 inch swatch. So I threw it in the dryer for 5 minutes then 5 more minutes. The sleeves are still too long but I can fold up the cuffs. Maybe next time it’s washed it will shrink a little more. Always guessing with what the yarn will do. —Ann—

Temporarily off the needles

 I purchased this yarn in Ireland last summer, a worsted weight called Soft Donegal by Studio Donegal. Hubby was off hunting last weekend what should I do??  Cozy up and knit of course….the same pattern as the pink sweater https://straythreads-straythreads.blogspot.com/2025/03/ also a Donegal tweed that I purchased in the south of Ireland the summer before that I knit 3 times before I loved it. I knit this on #10 needles in a 14 gauge that means big stitches so it knit fast. Hubby left on Friday and came home Monday and I was well into my 3rd ball of yarn. Don’t think I’ll have it done for Thanksgiving but will definitely finish it while we are still eating leftovers. Happy Thanksgiving.  —Ann—

Blissful sewing

A morning of blissful sewing! An appointment was changed to the afternoon I was as giddy as a schoolgirl hearing the announcement that it was a snow day.  There was snow on the ground but as I sewed I listened to the rhythm of the dripping snow melt from the roof. I thought this would be quick to sew, I did start it back in September and it would have been if I had cut all the strips the same size but I found leftover strips to use and then life happens with lots of distractions.

I’m calling this quilt Racoons in the sweet corn. The racoons are circling the patch a few have eaten their fill or are going to share the news with their friends and relatives.  —Ann—