Finally! A finished object! I completed this pillow for my mother on Monday in preparation for her visit yesterday. I was pleased with how it turned out. Many thanks to Mary Corbet for providing the patterns for this wonderful alphabet!
There has been very little online activity here at chez Kathryn Estelle. There has also been very little crafting. I feel the stirrings of an FO frenzy coming on as I prepare to undertake a new project in January, so hopefully, there will be some items to post in the coming days. In the meantime, Merry Christmas!
I'm here, and I want to blog about my "month off," but I'm a little under the weather with a cold or something right now, so I just don't have the energy. I'll try to get something posted in the next day or two.
I'm also knitting and crocheting and working on an art journal and doing calligraphy! Needless to say, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.
Last week, my baby, affectionately referred to by me as "Roo," turned five. I was determined to make a birthday crown for her, and I did. I was able to successfully attach the trim using the sewing machine, but when it came time to sew the front and back together, I experienced the one hiccup in my new found sewing success. I had contemplated blanket stitching around the edge anyway, so I decided to go ahead with it—despite the fact that the only blanket stitching I had done was on my beginning embroidery sampler.
On a happier note, I have perfected the cupcake. I use a Duncan Hines yellow cake mix, which makes 24 cupcakes. (I know, I know, but I tried baking them from scratch, and they just aren't as good!) The frositng IS made from scratch using the Easy Buttercream recipe from the King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion. Finally, I sprinkle a little decorative sugar on top in colors that will please the honoree. These cupcakes have gotten rave reviews from everyone who has tried them.
My success with the quilt led me to make a pillow out of an embroidery project I was working on for my very wise friend Michelyn's birthday. I had already done most, if not all, of the stitching (I can't remember!), but I couldn't decide if I should frame it, mount it, or what. Once I felt comfortable with the sewing machine, I decided to make a small pillow, and I was thrilled with the result. The taupe linen I used is from a size 4X shirt I bought at the thrift store for $3! (I only used a piece of a sleeve for this project!) For the back, I used a dark red and taupe gingham, and I added a dark red grosgrain ribbon for hanging. The embroidery was done with my new favorite, #5 perle cotton, in dark brown (DMC #938). I made up the design myself using a vintage owl pattern I found here.
My sewing machine success inspired me to lay out a new table runner design using the "Fabulous Fall" Moda Charm Pack I bought during our trip to NC. I love the colors! I've never done any patchwork before, and I am shooting from the hip here (no pattern), so this could be an adventure.
I can't remember exactly what inspired me, but a few weeks ago, the embroidery bug bit me, and I am hooked. I have been crocheting for more than three years and knitting for more than two, so maybe it's just time for me to try something new, but I think it was a natural progression for a crafty type like me. I haven't had the time to do nearly as much embroidery as I would like, but I have been thinking a lot about what has attracted me to this medium. In no particular order...
I haven't knitted a thing since I finished the feather and fan scarf, but I have steadily been crocheting this blanket for a new baby, primarily while watching our Friday night DVDs. I used Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Blossom and a J hook. It's half-double crochet with a basic ruffled border. Great yarn. I think it will be my standard baby blanket yarn from now on. Now I'm itching to knit something, but I have some more small crochet projects I need to complete first. Details forthcoming!
I have loved Banana Nut Bread for as long as I can remember, and I have tried many variations of the recipe, but this one is still my favorite. It is an adaptation of a family recipe that I have modified enough that I am comfortable calling it my own. I have often substituted pecans for walnuts, but I prefer the walnuts. I give this to people for gifts, and they always rave over it. I often bake two loaves at a time. Enjoy!
I have been doing some crocheting. I made a washcloth for a friend's birthday gift, and I am working on a simple baby blanket. It is very basic, but I'm thinking of making the pattern available when I'm finished. It's the type of thing I was looking for when I was a beginning crocheter, and its the kind of mindless project I need for DVD viewing.
I finally finished the feather and fan scarf that I have been working on for months. It is Wendy's pattern (No purling!) and the yarn is Brooks Farm Four Play. I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and the recipient seemed to love it as well. Raveled here.
I took a break from blogging for a while because once I got onto Ravelry, the intended purpose of this blog had been met through that wonderful medium. However, I eventually returned here so that I could document some new found creative interests. During my time off, I completed several knitting and crochet projects, as you can see in the photos above. For more info on these projects, visit my Ravelry page.
