Warmth in the North

random reflections

    There were over 800 unread posts in google reader when I opened it up this afternoon, my e-mail in-box is even more overwhelming, there is no way I'll be reading everything.  The internet keeps chugging along even when I wander away, maybe I should stay home for a little while.  Instead of dealing with all the pesky chores that have piled up over the last few weeks I'm going to show off my new quilt.  

      This is Random Reflections, the pattern is by KarrieLyne of Freckled Whimsy, and it was very, very simple to make.  All it really takes is two jelly rolls so the cutting is minimal and the top almost sews itself. It wasn't until the top was almost finished that I realized that I'd used the same fabrics as the original, a strange thing because I hardly ever come close replication when knitting.  Luckily the chances of anyone in real life realizing that I just plain old copied the original are slim so I still love it.

    I used used Fandango & snow jelly rolls and co-ordinating prints for the backing and binding.  While the backing is nothing special I love the quilting.  Once again I worked with a long arm quilter and the results are amazing.  I need to make an appointment to take a few more tops to Julie for her special treatment.

a work in progress

    I thought I should spice up my posts with some unfinished business.  It feels a little bit fake to keep posting everything from the last month without acknowledging that things take time.  So today I bring you a tiny bit of knitting that's barely started.  I'd really like to finish it before the weekend but that is never going to happen may be overly ambitious. 

    Does everyone know about My Sewing Circle?  It's a Ravelry-esque site for sewers of all verities and although it's still in the beginning stages may have potential.  The pattern area needs beefing up but like all user generated content sites that takes time. I've got no idea how to find people but I'm marycatharine if you're already a member or decide to join.

my birdie sling

    I finally got around to using the Birdie Sling pattern that I'd picked up last fall.  My sewing skills are still limited but the pattern is very detailed and easy to follow.  For my first attempt with pleating and sewing gussets it turned out rather well.  Since the pattern called for more than enough fabric I made two little pouches for carrying around all those small things that always get lost in the bottom of my purse.

   

    One thing I wasn't expecting is how comfortable it is to carry around.  I've shoved my 13" MacBook Pro, a DSLR camera, wallet, phone, book, lunch, water bottle and knitting inside but it never feels heavy.  Part of that is probably because it's just made out of fabric and interfacing so it just weighs less than the average leather purse.  However it's not until it lands on my shoulder that it feels light so I'm sure the shoulder strap deserves part of the credit.  It's nice and wide and evenly distributes all that weight, joy.

    I like it so much that some more fabric is on the way so that I can sew a summer version.  Picking out fabric for something like this is not my strong suite and I veered into safe territory.  There's nothing wrong with the fabric it's just sort of blah but I'm looking forward to making another.