Sunday, March 14, 2010

Knitting on the Road

Oh poor blog... I've come thisclose to paying attention to you over the past 3 months. I can't believe it's already 10 weeks into clerkship - it's been a whirlwind indeed. I'm currently on a 9-week, three city electives tour, away from my cozy, crafty nest of an apartment. Of course, one could not hit the road without packing a few compact knitting projects, namely a new Ishbel, and two pairs of socks. Clearly I overestimated the amount of time I have to knit!

Here are a few projects leftover from Christmas:


Crispy-white quilt top... before wreckage

This quilt was started in August, with the top finished just before school started. I was really pleased with how the quilt top turned out - everything seemed to be going well. Then I made mistake #1 - after frequenting the local fabric store to find material for the backing, I could not justify spending 11$/m for plain broadcloth. So, I scrimped and bought 3$ worth of red flannel. Oh man. It fell apart like paper both when I cut it, and when I had to rip out a seam after sewing parts of the backing backwards.

I meticulously taped the layers to the floor, pinned it within an inch of its life, hoping that better basting would eliminate my puckering problems while quilting. Not so. It puckered like crazy, to my disappointment, despite using a walking foot and solid basting.

Crinkled, pinkish finished quilt

Dissappointment #3 - being a cheap student, I had not spent the 4$ to wash the red backing before sewing the quilt. After excitedly putting my finished (yet puckered) quilt into the wash, I was left with an antique pink and red quilt top. I wanted to cry. Fortunately, my parents still liked it, and if you use your imagination the colors sort of work.

Christmas project #2: handmade sheep and yarn stitch markers. These were really fun to do, although somehow making a dozen turned into making 50-60, and it took a lot longer than expected.


And some beginning-of-clerkship knitting: traditional thrummed mittens made with Briggs and Little Heritage wool and roving. I love love love this yarn, it is so rustic and wholesome. The bits of vegetable matter in the wool, and lanolin smell bring it all home. These were gifted to a friend for her birthday.

Mmmm, thrums!


I've got one week left in Ontario before heading off to the Maritimes for elective #3. It will be nice to be closer to home!!

5 comments:

Yarndude said...

I think that quilt looks great!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Jess! I also think the quilt looks incredible! And the little sheep are adorable :) ... so cute!! Hey, I hope that your electives tour is going well, and that you're having an amazing time. I'm such a home-body - I imagine it would be tiring to be gone for so long. Looking forward to catching up with you when you get back!

Don said...

Hey Jess,

I love the quilt. It was a great and special Christmas gift. Can't wait to see you next weekend. It will be nice to have you back in the Maritime, even if it is going to be for a short period of time. Nice to see you blogging again. I missed it.

Dad

HettyKnits said...

The quilt is wonderful, and I think the pinkish tinge gives it an air of antiquity...how can that be bad? I love it.
Love my stitch markers, too, and used them to make Emily's latest beret. They made me smile every time I knit a row. Too cute.
xo
Mom

Lynn said...

Your quilt shows true artistry. I love it! While I would never recommend red flannelette to back a quilt (for the reasons you gave) there is nothing cosier! Your sheep stitch markers are so cute with the little balls of yarn. And who wouldn't be thrilled to receive those beautiful warm thrummed mittens.

You never cease to amaze me with the wonderful things you make with your hands and the thoughtful musings in your blog. Welcome back and thank you for sharing.