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Pacific Northwest, United States

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I've been crafting things for myself and others since my teen years. Designing and creating is not just what I do.....it's Who I Am. Thanks for stopping by.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Getting It Done–February, 2013

So far, so good with listing my goals for the month.  Last month I was able to accomplish all that I had hoped and then some.  I blogged about it here.  

For February I decided to list only my quilting and knitting related goals. 
GID-FEB

I’m linked up with the Patchwork Times Getting It Done challenge.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Quilting,
         ~  Diane

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Got It Done–Jan 2013

January has been a productive month, probably because I’m still riding the momentum wave of holiday crafting from December and the weather has not been conducive of outdoor activities. 
GID-Jan2013 
Here’s my original List








IncheliumStar
1.  Finish quilting the Indian Star wall hanging that I pieced last summer while at the lake.  I renamed this quilt:  Inchelium Star.  That’s the name of the town closest to the lake where I am blessed to spend many of the summer months each year.  I really liked designing this, but have to admit that when it came time to do the piecing, I had lots of troubles.  Originally I was going to give this to one of my Native American friends, but think I will just put it up on the wall at our “cabin” and make her a nicer one.  This measures about 40” square.




FingerlessGloves
2.  Make a pair of fingerless gloves as a gift.  I really like the yarn I used for these and was able to get two pair of gloves from the one skein.  The second pair, which I still haven’t finished, I will keep for myself.







PJ Pants 3.  Sew some Jammie pants (for myself).  I love the soft, lightweight flannel I used and was able to make a top out of the leftover material.  DH says I look like I’m wearing a prison jump suit, but I’m more concerned with comfort.  It’s been fun sewing things other than quilts for a change. 
PJ Top
Pattern-Jan2013
4.  Finish the Quilted Gift Bag pattern.  I had put this on the back burner for way too long.  Writing the instructions had me stumped in a few places.  It’s not easy for me to find the words to clearly describe how to do something.  I also played around with the graphics and got them looking better.
I put this pattern on my Free Patterns page.  If you are interested in having a copy, please check my email address on my profile page and send me a request. 





My Bonus Projects

CraftsyBOM-Jan
Craftsy BOM for January 2013. 
This is an offset log cabin block.  I just grabbed some scraps and followed the instructions for putting this together.  This test block will go in my Orphan box and hopefully be put to use soon. 






LogCabinThrow
I started this quilt a few months ago and set it aside until after the holidays.  At my monthly quilt group I was able to make the border blocks and then finish the piecing later that night at home.  I will probably put quilting this quilt on my February Getting It Done list. 










QuiltBack
I also am taking the Craftsy free min-class, Creative Quilt Backs.  In the past, I’ve simply bought yards of fabric for my quilt backs; but I’d like to be more thrifty and make use of my Orphan blocks. 
I had a four blocks left over from making the Log Cabin throw and I also found the center block which used some of the same brown fabric.  It took me a while to come up with a layout that I liked.  I used up more scraps and made up the somewhat offset log cabin blocks for the sides.  Then I added the cream colored sashing.  I still have to cut and add the pieces for the sides and top. 
 




Jan-ScrapQuilt Recently I spent several hours organizing my scraps and leftovers.  I still want to reorganize my stash fabrics as well.  In the meantime, I want to use up as many scraps as possible this year.  So, I think I’ll add Make a Scrap Quilt to my monthly Getting It Done list.
This quilt was offered on Quilters Club of America as a Mystery quilt, provided by Missouri Star Quilt Co. 
I was happy to use up (628) 2-1/2” squares! 
Now I have to figure out what backing I’ll use.  Perhaps I’ll piece the back and use even more scraps.







Dishcloth-Jan2013 My January, 2013 dishcloth/washcloth.  I’ve really enjoyed getting back into knitting after all these years.  I’ve learned that it’s a good idea, and extremely helpful, to do a swatch at the beginning of any new project.  There are so many neat knitting stitch patterns that I’d like to try, but my experience has been limited.  So, I was thinking that making washcloths would be an excellent opportunity to try out some new patterns and get the hang of them before incorporating them into socks.  I’m going to try to make a washcloth each month. 


Well, that’s my Getting It Done progress report for January 2013. 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Design Wall Monday–Jan 28, 2013

Jan-ScrapQuilt
With the completion of all my “Getting It Done” goals for this month, I turned my attention to working on this scrap quilt  (see Jan 14 post for more information about this quilt design).  

Actually, it went pretty fast after I constructed the necessary blocks and patches.  I tried hard to match up the intersections within the (24) 16-patch scrappy blocks; but after they were done, I pretty much didn’t worry about pretty points. 

Each “X” block is comprised of (4) 4-1/2” partial snowball blocks…for a grand total of 96. 
4-patch X 

There are (56) 4-1/2” border blocks
Border

This quilt measures 56 x 72 (without the suggested 4" outer border) and used a grand total of (628) 2-1/2" squares.  If my math is correct (and I’m not saying that it is) I figure I used up 2.56 yards of scraps and 2-1/2 yards background fabric.  YEAH! 



Quilt Back for the Log Cabin Throw

QuiltBackI also pieced together a back for the Log Cabin Throw that I finished making last weekend.  I found some orphan blocks and worked around them.  I still need to add about 14 inches of border all around to make it large enough for the backing; but I managed to use up more scraps and reduce the amount of good fabric to about 2 yards.   


Thanks for stopping by.  For links to other Design Walls, visit Patchwork Times.

Happy Sewing & Quilting,
~Diane

Friday, January 25, 2013

Valentine Table Topper–free quilt pattern


With Valentine’s Day just around the corner I decided to put my “Hearts On The Table” topper pattern on my Free Patterns page. 
This is a simple but elegant table topper with appliqued hearts.  The finished measurement is approximately 27” square. 
I haven’t figured out how to make it a download.  Apparently Blogger does not support uploading files, so if you want it, please email me (see my profile page) and I’ll send the pdf file to you.

Blogger Labels: free quilt pattern,Valentine,Table Topper

On The Needles–Jan 25, 2013

One of my goals for this year is to knit a dishcloth each month.  I have been collecting patterns that I’d like to try and this month I chose a basic striped cloth so I can use up some of my leftover cotton yarn.  The finished size should be around eight inches square and I only have an inch or so to go.  I got the pattern off the web at the Lily Sugar ‘N Cream site.
Basic_Striped_Dishcloth
OTN-012513

Be sure to visit Patchwork Times to see what other's have On Their Needles.  

Monday, January 21, 2013

Design Wall Monday–Jan 21, 2013

DWM-012113
This past weekend I was able to make progress in completing the piecing of the Log Cabin Throw.  During the holidays it was put in the WIP (work in progress) pile.  After finishing my Getting It Done quilting goals for January this became a Bonus project.



LCT-011913






I first mentioned this quilt top in November, explaining how I designed the border blocks with EQ7.  Normally, I’d cut long strips for the borders, but this time I sewed the border as blocks instead.  I didn’t have any stretching and waving like with long strips and the process of applying the border went quite well. 

With this top done, I did some more sewing on the scrappy quilt for January.  I’m hoping to make one scrappy quilt per month.


 
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit Patchwork Times to see what other’s have on their design walls.

Friday, January 18, 2013

On The Needles–Jan 18, 2013


Yesterday I took a friend to the dentist for a root canal and was able to get some knitting done on the latest pair of fingerless gloves.  Usually I knit while watching t.v., but lately my t.v. time has been minimal.  These gloves don’t take very long to make.  Like my sock knitting, I am making two-at-once.  I find that this works good for me so that both socks/gloves have the exact amount of rows.  It’s great to have a pair done and ready to wear after binding off and weaving in the ends.

I’m glad to making progress on this project because it’s my final item to complete on my Getting It Done list for January.  Yeah!  

I’m linked up with Patchwork Times, so be sure to check out what others have on their needles this week. 
Happy Knitting!             ~ Diane

Monday, January 14, 2013

Design Wall Monday–Jan 14, 2013

DWM-011413
I spent my t.v. time the past couple of days sorting and organizing some of my scraps.  There is still a large bin needing attention, but now I have some plastic shoe boxes with pre-cut strips and squares ready to be used.  

One of my goals for this year is to drastically reduce the amount of scraps I’ve collected.  In order to accomplish this I plan to add the making of a scrap quilt to each month’s agenda.  I also have a lot of fabrics in my stash that I’d like to use as well. 

The pattern I chose to do this month is a Mystery Quilt, “Bittersweet”, that was sponsored by Missouri Star Quilts on Quilters Club of America in March of 2012.  Yes, I’m a little late in getting started.  Anyway, this pattern calls for (628) 2-1/2” squares so it should give me a good start on my goal of using up those scraps.  So far, I have nine of the (24) 16-patch squares done.

I've also started collecting all my serger and fabric clippings as well as bits of batting which I plan to use as stuffing for a kitty bed.   Maybe I'll piece the bed cover and use up even more scraps!

I'm linked up with Patchwork Times, Design Wall Monday.  

Happy Quilting,
     ~Diane
  

Friday, January 11, 2013

On The Needles - Jan 11, 2013

This week has been slow, knitting-wise.  I got another pair of fingerless gloves cast on and loaded onto two circular needles so I can knit them two-at-once.  The cuff ribbing is complete and I'm ready to begin the patterning.

No progress to report on the grey socks which I think I started back in November.  These are for my hubby and so they took a back seat to the Christmas gifts I worked on.

Be sure to visit Patchwork Times blog for links to other great projects.


Getting It Done - January 2013 -  Progress Report

I'm happy to report that I've complete three of the four items on my list.

1.  Quilting:  The star wall hanging has been quilted and I've set another goal of getting it labeled and bound by the end of the month.

2.  Knitting:  still working on the fingerless gloves
 
3.  Sewing:  I made the jammie pants and, with the left over fabric, was able to make a matching top.

3.  Pattern:  I finally got the instructions and graphics to an acceptable state.  I add the Quilted Gift Bag pattern to my Free Quilt Patterns page.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting.
                           ~Diane



Thursday, January 10, 2013

Blog 1-Year Anniversary

Wow!  I can’t believe that its been a whole year since I started this blog. 

In honor of the big occasion I have posted a new, free pattern. 

Quilted Gift Bag

QGB-B
QGB-Blue (551x800)
For more information, click on the page tab “Free Quilt Patterns”.  If you want a copy, just send me an email request (my email address is on my Contact page). 

My patterns are electronic form, (PDF files), and you will need a viewing program in order to open and print the patterns.  You can download a free version of Adobe Reader HERE
Thanks for visiting Pine Point Designs. 

~ Diane

Monday, January 7, 2013

Design Wall Monday–Jan 7, 2013

With the start of a new year, I’ve been cleaning up the old.  I spent one day straightening up my sewing room organizing my supplies, fabrics and unfinished projects.  Now I have a tub for the current month’s Getting It Done projects (priority) and a second tub for “bonus” projects.  The Bonus items will be worked on AFTER I get my priorities done.

One of my goals for this year is to participate in a Block of the Month.  I failed miserably last year having only completed three or four new blocks.  Craftsy.com has a new BOM class for 2013 so I signed up and began the January block.  I’m not certain I will be making the sampler quilt at the end of the year.  The fabric collection that is used is not my style so I’ll have to give some thought to what color scheme I want to use.  In the meantime, I’ll make scrappy blocks that could be incorporated in quilt backs. 

DWM-010713
Offset Log Cabin Block

Offset Log Cabin block

I did these 6” blocks using up scraps.
OLC-Layout1
 Here are some more layout options.










I’m linked up with Judy at Patchwork Times.  Be sure to head on over there and see what other’s have on their design walls. 

Yesterday, I spent all afternoon gathering pics of the projects I made in 2012 and created a blog page 2012 Projects Gallery

Thanks for stopping by.  Feel free to leave a comment.
~Diane

Friday, January 4, 2013

On The Needles - Jan 4, 2013



Not much knitting progress to report for the past week.  I've been organizing the sewing room and doing a little garment sewing.

The purple fingerless gloves need the thumbs finished.  This is easy to set aside because it won't take that long to complete.  

The gray socks are still at the heel stage.  I'm doing short row heels and am just looking for some quiet time to concentrate on getting them right.  I made a cardboard form to insert into the sock on the right to get an idea of what they will look like on a foot.  The ribbing pattern draws the fabric inward and makes them look strange otherwise.

Be sure to visit Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, for links to other On The Needles posts.
   

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Sewing Recap–Dec 2012

    Quilted Gift BagQGB-A


This holiday gift bag was a test of one of my patterns I’ve been working on.  One of the most difficult aspects of pattern design for me is the writing of the instructions.  My goal is to describe the process of constructing a craft project in a clear precise way and sometimes that means I have to write, test, and re-write. 
 
I had this cotton border fabric in my stash for years and knew that someday I would find the perfect use for it.  All I had to do is pick out a contrasting lining.
 
I used some thin polyester batting leftovers and quilted simple horizontal lines to accentuate the candy cane trim.  I also free-motion quilted the outline of the bears.  They are sooo cute.  

 

 

Serger-bag

      Serger Zip Bag


I bought my MyLock 234 serger in 1987.  It was put to use a lot in those days making turtleneck tops, leggings, sweatshirts and other home décor items.  But then it sat, unused and collecting dust for nearly 20 years.

This bag is one of the projects in the Beginner Serging class with Amy Alan at Craftsy.com.  Even though I’d used my machine a lot in the past, this is actually the first class I’ve taken and I’ve learned a lot.  Because mine is an older machine it has its limits with regard to stitch types and does not have some of the newer fancy knobs and gadgets.  In spite of that, this has been a great refresher and inspiration. I plan to use this bag to store hold my machine’s power supply and peddle as well as extra accessories.


                                      Knit T-shirts

ScoopNeckTee-122512
I’d been thinking about making some long sleeve t-shirts when I saw a new class offered on Craftsy.com .  Meg McElwee is the instructor for Sewing With Knits: 5 Wardrobe Essentials and provides patterns for a fleece hoodie, scoop-neck and v-neck tees, fold-over waistband pocket pants with shorts option, surplice empire-waist dress, and a fold-over waistband skirt.  The Craftsy platform is perfect for me because I can access the class on my own as time permits. 

I dug around in my fabric stash and found some light-weight t-shirt knits to use for my first projects.  I’m not really sure if they are jerseys or interlocks. The aqua shirt was the first one I made.  I blogged about it here.

ScoopNeckTee-2

 
For my second t-shirt, also a scoop-neck version in periwinkle, I adjusted the pattern to add some extra to the side seams.  The neck band did not lay as flat as I would have liked but its good enough.  

 
ScoopNeck-Tee3






My last t-shirt is this burgundy knit.  Unlike the other two t-shirts, I bought this fabric recently.  It is really light-weight and soft.  I had problems with the neck band not laying flat, so I unpicked all the stitching, including my top-stitching, and started over.  By comparing the pattern piece with the band I just removed, I discovered that it had stretched about 2 inches longed in the process of my sewing it on the first time.  I cut it back to proper size and reattached it to the neckline.  Much better result.  

For this shirt I used the next larger pattern size and made the bottom hem more like a shirt and not straight across like the other two.  I also used my serger for all the shoulders, sleeves, and side seams.  I like the nice clean finish on the inside of the shirt.


 T-n-mobius
      A Mobius Scarf

I also made a Mobius scarf from my left-over fabric. 
I cut a piece 37” (cross-grain) by 10” wide then folded it in half length-wise.  I found instructions for constructing a Mobius scarf posted by Weekend Designer here.  
I’ll most likely make more of this type of scarf.  Hummmm…..I wonder if you could make it with more than one twist?  Something to consider for a future project.

Happy New Year - 2013


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