Sunday, February 13, 2011

GreenStitch Episode 24 - We get by with a little help from our friends

It's Episode 24 - two dozen! Haven't heard it yet? Click here to download.

Above is the schematic Sue provided for me, and the final product - Maggie's going-down-the-stairs harness. Denim, fleece, plaid binding, webbing for the straps, plenty of Velcro, and a few D-rings -- all stuff I had on hand.

Above, a rail fence block. See how easy it is? Here's the link to the pattern, which uses 2 1/2-inch strips. Just watch carefully how you have the segments oriented before you stitch together.

Learn more about the Quilts for Carisbrook project here (Wilma's blog). U.S. volunteers can check out this list for mailing information - remember, all blocks must be 12 1/2 inches (unfinished) and they're due by Feb. 28.

Here's the "Comforts of Home" block. Pattern is here. I use the option with the Flying Geese turned the other way around, which forms a star.

Various rail fences.
I used up some more of the nine-patches to form 12 1/2-inch cobblestone blocks.

Obviously, I hadn't yet woven in the ends of this sweater before I took the photo. I also hadn't blocked it yet - one arm looks bigger than the other here, but it turned out just fine after blocking. Learn more about Afghans for Afghans here.

Me ----> "Betty!! Get off that wool sweater this instant! But first, let me take your photo because you're so darn cute!"

Great and very helpful podcasters!

Want a glimpse of what it's like to be 23 and looking for a job? Check out Nick's podcast.

Give us a "like" over on Facebook and get some behind-the-scenes news....

Finally, here's the link to the terrific Morsbags movement - I love it!

Latest poll results: 31 of you answered the question: "Do you craft more in the winter months?"

Yes
23 (74%)
Not really
6 (19%)
I don't keep track
2 (6%)


7 comments:

  1. Great job on the doggie stair helper! What a great friend you are. Thank you for the great podcast. Tami in Denver

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  2. Oh Betty - you are as wicked as my O'Malley cat. I just removed him from my exercise clothes (again). What he really likes is to lay on the sheets (we call it pollute the sheets) then wait while we wash 'em then sneak into the clean clothes basket before we get them back on the bed..... Don't tell me he doesn't know zactly what he is doin'. He loves that game! He and Betty probably email.

    OH yeah, the podcast. Well they get better and better. I can't believe you are almost up to 25! The rail fence almost makes me want to go back to quilting. But I"m REALLY GLAD I finally got myself to give away all my partially finished quilt projects. People were appreciative on Craigslist. Giving away pretty stuff makes you feel good. And I like to think they might actually get them done. Hoarding is not fun.

    I had a purchased dog carrier like you made dear Maggie. It worked very well and was lined with fuzzy fleece. I just sent it onto my sister-in-laws dog who is having similar challenges to my old darling who's gone onto the happy hunting grounds (where he doesn't need a carrier). One thing to say was that for occasional challenges - you can use a big beach towel. I learned that from a vet during his surgery recovery.

    The straps on the purchased one were quite long loops on either side and it was a regular rectangle - like a towel. We never had problems with slippage. Maybe it was the fuzzy lining?

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  3. I have a question... about knitting.. Would there be a possibility the wool sweater would shrink???? I wondered it that would be a problem for charity quilting groups. I have yet to have wool sweater that I do not shrink.

    Would acrylic or poly yarn work?? I am not a knitter but I have inherited yarn that I plan to give away? I have found some knitting groups to give it to but thought I would ask before contacting them.

    Thank you

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  4. Thanks so much, everyone!

    Nonnie - yes, wool (unless it's the "superwash" variety used for socks) will shrink and felt if machine-washed - it's the agitation that does it. However, with this charity for Afghanistan, organizers specifically request wool (or other animal fiber like alpaca) because it's light-years warmer than acrylic. Since they don't stand a chance of being washed in a washing machine, felting and shrinking is not a concern. Before knitting for a charity, everyone should check for fiber content requirements.

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  5. ahh cool! you know I know a girl, she pay anything for animal clothes, in fact she spend a lot of money in her Chihuhua, I don't know why.

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