I started this stitching around the 4th of July. My inspiration was a picture of fabric cuffs. They made me think "band sampler". Finding the pieces for the bands and then decorating on them was easy.
But I didn't know how to finish the edges. I took it with me to Karla's and we figured out a combination of laces. Karla suggested the black lace accent on the side. I think that makes things "pop". But it still needs something else...but I haven't found it yet.
My French General mini-charm pack quilt has taken a turn for the better. I remember a long time ago when my Mom was showing me some quilting tricks, we bought this clear acrylic stick that is 1/4" wide. I suppose it has a name, but I don't know what it is. You use it to draw a 1/4" seam on the back of your fabric.
(You can see from the gold ink on it that I've also used it as a straight edge when drawing borders on tags.)
It's made a huge difference in keeping my seams straight. Enough of a difference that I've bought more charm packs.
Another thing I like about sewing these little pieces together is that it's a portable craft.
All I need is some fabric, a spool of thread, needle and a scissors in a little baggie in my purse and I can craft almost anywhere.
My other portable craft is the cotton yarn pastel throw I've been working on.
It's an easy pattern- just cast on 25 stitches, knit 40 rows and switch color. You do that with seven different color yarns. I'm using cotton yarn, and it feels good- it's a pleasure for my fingers.
You knit seven of these strips, each one starting with a different color but staying with the same color order. I went from dark pink to pink to light pink to varigated pink etc. Then the strips are joined so the same colors are on the diagonal.
I've done three strips, almost half done. You know what? I don't like it. I like the actual knitting, but I don't like the choppy block look. So now, the big crafter's dilemma. Do I finish it? If I don't, what do I do with it? If I DO, what do I do with it? Oh such problems....
