2022 in Review: Favorite Finishes

I know I didn't blog a whole lot this year, but I was definitely making stuff! I thought it might be fun to share a few of my favorite finishes which haven't been shared here. I'd like to blog more regularly in 2023 but let's be honest, that is not likely to happen because I'm 3,000% more likely to share what I'm up to over on Instagram in real(ish) time.

After finishing my nephew's graduation quilt, I became obsessed with sewing table runners. Even with my novice quilting skills, I was able to make some pretty cool projects in just a weekend or two. I ended up making doubles so that I could gift one to my mom and keep the other one for myself. I've been taking advantage of the $25 flat rate pricing at Missouri Star to give them a professional finish!

Halloween Mini Tumbler Table Runner with Batik fabrics

Large Tumbler Table Runner with Metallic Scandi II fabric

I also tried something totally new this year by sewing my own purse! I used the Mia Bag pattern from Sallie Tomato to sew this cute two-color bag. It was my first time working with cork fabric, and I was really glad that there was a free tutorial because it's been a long time since I've sewn a zipper into anything (like, I'm talking middle school home ec). I use this bag all the time now and will probably make a couple more versions that I can swap out with the strap. Wouldn't it look super cute with patchwork and cork fabric?!

After finishing my Pretty Little Chicago cross stitch project, I got back into cross stitch and have been working through the backlog of patterns I've purchased but never stitched. Currently I'm working on a Christmas wreath with Pokemon Characters to go with the 8-Bit Wreath I finished earlier this fall:

And then I discovered that I bought this cute little sheep pattern from Red Gate Stitchery several years ago, but never stitched it up. It's been so long that the maker appears to have gone out of business, which is a bummer because I really liked their stuff.

And of course I've been knitting! This was year two of working almost exclusively from my yarn stash - the only exceptions were Sock Pals projects, which is the only yarn I have purchased this year, if you can believe it. I've used or rehomed at least half of my stash since moving back to KC. My goal for 2023 is to keep knitting through the stash and get it down to 1 manageable bin. I think it can happen, even though I don't knit as much as I used to. BUT, I did finish this lovely colorwork sweater with some Miss Babs yarn using the Pink Velvet sweater pattern by Andrea Mowry:

I also knit a brioche-and-bobble cowl with some Brooklyn Tweed yarn that's been in my stash a couple of years, I had tried to weave a scarf with it but didn't like the way it was weaving up - all of that beautiful tweediness was getting lost! So I set the yarn aside and figured I would use it to make some sort of lace or cabled hat (eventually). But then I was cruising through Instagram and happened to spot a post about a one-day free download of the Textured Cowl from Suvi Knits, and cast on immediately! I ended up playing a bit of yarn chicken at the end, and shortened the second brioche section so that I would have enough yarn left over for bind off, but I think it kind of works and it's now my new favorite office cowl!

I also did another round of Sock Pals, this time with a spooky theme for Halloween! I made the Snickerdoodle Socks for myself:

And the Wildflowers & Honeycomb Socks for my pal:

Besides that, I've just been knitting and weaving lots of destash projects for the donation bin, which I won't share here but they often show up on my Instagram feed, and I also keep my Ravelry notebook up-to-date for anyone who is into that sort of thing.

There are a few projects I can't share until after this weekend, so there should be another update next week if all goes to plan.

Wishing everyone a happy & safe holiday season!

Easy DIY: Beaded Vintage Snowflake Ornament Kits from Solid Oak Inc.

I was really excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new as part of my "Christmas in July" theme this month. The kind folks at Solid Oak Inc offered me a chance to review one of their Nostalgic Christmas beaded crystal ornament kits I couldn't resist. My tree is already full of ornaments I've inherited or been gifted from other family members and friends, so these pretty crystal beaded ornaments will fit right in I think! I was super impressed with this compact little kit , which includes everything needed to create three gorgeous vintage-style ornaments - just add a pair of round nose pliers (I found mine on Amazon for less than ten bucks). The instructions had some fabulous tips for newbies like me; for example, it recommended sorting the beads and laying them out in order on a towel or beading mat to prevent them from rolling away. That may seem obvious, but I was totally ready to start beading on my kitchen table without a

What If I Didn't Add Heels?

Last weekend, I finished the first sock with my Waterlilies yarn , and just for yuks, I tried it on even though it was basically just a tube sock. Much to my surprise, it fit really well, even without a heel. Who knew? So, that got me thinking: what if I just didn't add the heels? I never thought a tube sock would actually fit nicely, but I genuinely like the fit, so...why spend time to add the heels? As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.... Let's say I decide not to add heels once the second sock is done - there will still be placeholder yarn for the afterthought heels, as you can see above, so should I leave it in and just weave in the ends? Or should I remove it, put the live stitches back on needles and at least graft them together using more of the Waterlilies yarn? I plan on mulling all of this over as I knit the second sock, and I'd love to hear your opinions of what you think would look best (or if you think this whole "n

Overdyeing A Finished Knit

Even after just a few years of knitting or crocheting, you're bound to have some finished projects lying around that never get worn or used. After 10+ years of crafting, I have more than just "some" or "a few"....and with my ongoing quest to declutter my house this year, I've become obsessed with going through these forlorn projects and making some Big Decisions. Sometimes, they are perfectly fine and just need a new and loving home. Other projects may have not turned out quite right: there might have been some mistakes in the knitting that I thought I could live with, or the yarn was gorgeous but not well-matched to the pattern, or my taste has drastically changed since I finished making the project...in any case, why on earth did I keep knitting?! Who knows, but I don't feel good about gifting anything that falls into this category to someone else. These projects have been relegated to the "frog pile" (or should I say, frog pond?), to b

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