Hobby Stash

Sampler Quilt to Crochet

Linda — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:28:58 +0000

The Sampler Quilt to Crochet pattern is now available. I wrestled with the idea of charging for this pattern and finally decided against it. I crochet because I love to, not because I want to make a living with it. I designed this pattern on a lark. I wanted to make a quilt with a matching afghan. The first time around I used a regular afghan hook rather than the flexible hook and created 4 block panels with 5 blocks in each panel, which I then sewed together. Either way looks great from the front. But I like the result of the cleaner back side when crocheting as one piece rather than the panels. It’s really a matter of personal choice. I will say it goes much faster when you choose to do panels.

Quilt With Matching Afghan

Back side of Panel Version

Back side of One-Piece Version

This pattern involves a lot of color changing and as a result, a lot of ends weaving. I deliberately left my weaving to the end to give you an idea of the amount involved. I strongly recommend you do this as you go along and not wait to the end like I did. I actually don’t normally mind doing it. I find it a easy task to work on while watching a good movie. Frankly, even for me, this was a daunting task to do all at once. But the end result was worth it.

Weaving Needed

Ends are about 6-inches long

The Weaving is Done!

Both afghans were given as Christmas gifts this year to two people I cherish. Was it worth the hard work? You betcha!

Sunshine Sampler

Linda — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:59:49 +0000

Stay tuned for pdf pattern.

Holly Afghan

Linda — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:27:20 +0000

I’d always wanted to make a Christmas afghan and finally got around to it several years ago. The original McCall’s pattern is from the late 70s/early 80s and no longer in print. It’s not one of the easiest to assemble because of the way the afghan stitch is done and the added to the center block. But the holly pattern turned out beautifully.

The Shack by William P. Young

Linda — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:14:07 +0000

I actually finished The Shack a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been pondering a way to review the novel without issuing any spoilers and it’s turned out to be quite a challenge. Mackenzie Phillips has been struggling throughout his life with his relationship with God. He rediscovers Him in the shack. I don’t agree with all the premises in the novel regarding one’s relationship with God and religion but I was nevertheless touched by it. One’s relationship with God is clearly a personal choice.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Popcorn Pinwheel Afghan

Linda — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:28:50 +0000

I made a sample of the popcorn pinwheel used in Fran Johnson’s popcorn pinwheel bedspread using #10 crochet thread with a #7 needle and fell in love with it. But I knew I would never finish the project given the number of pinwheels that would be required. Furthermore, I had no one I knew who would want it when it was finished. But I couldn’t let it die. So I began experimenting with baby yarn to see how it would look. I liked it. As I continued to ponder and try different size hooks, I came up with a plan. I’d make a decorative afghan in a simple off white to compliment the quilt my sister-in-law made for our guest room. The pinwheel is six-sided versus the eight-sided blocks in the quilt but I still think it will complement nicely.

I added two additional rounds to the pattern: a single crochet round and a double crochet round. The pinwheel finished size is approximately 9 1/2 inches. I’ll be alternating rows of 6 and 5 pinwheels until I get the size I want (to be determined). Here’s what I’ve done so far

Pecan Sandies

Linda — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:50:54 +0000

Pecan Sandies

Prep Time: 24 hours

Yield: 5 dozen

My mother’s Pecan Sandies have been a Christmas tradition for years. They are unbelievably rich and unbelievably addicting. They don’t last long around our home.

What You Need

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Putting It Together

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In mixer bowl, beat margarine for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
Add flour mixture to beaten mixture; beat until well blended. Stir in pecans. Cover; chill 30 minutes. Shape dough into two 7-inch long rolls. Wrap in wax paper or clear wrap. Chill several hours of overnight.
Cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place 1-inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until light brown. Cool about 1 minute and then remove to wire rack.

http://hobbystash.com/dining-in/featured-recipes/desserts/cookies/pecan-sandies/

Audible…

Linda — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:00:01 +0000

Quilt An Adorable Christmas Tree Skirt

Linda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:10:36 +0000

This looks like a wonderful gift project for next year and it can’t get much simpler.

Delonghi Iron

Linda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:04:06 +0000

I can’t believe I have never reviewed my iron. Last year my 10-year-old Braun started leaking and was no longer useful as a steam iron. So my search began for a replacement. Let me start by saying that, like so many appliances these days, they don’t appear to be making them like they used to. I was surprised by how many reviews were made stating the iron in question barely lasted past its warranty. Then I found this baby.

As a quilter, I’m in heaven. Plenty of steam is available when I need it. The steam is set independent of the iron heat. There is a huge tank so I’m not continuing to refill during an afternoon of piecing. The grip and weight feel great. It has a built-in stand for setting the iron down on while ironing. And man does this baby generate steam. You can shoot it three feet across a room when you hold it up. It is absolutely fabulous for getting those darn folds out of new drapes.

Now for the cons. It’s big and takes an incredible amount of space on the ironing board. I have a Rolenta ironing board with a separate attachment to hold the iron so that’s not a factor for me. Because of the size of the water tank, it takes a good 10 minutes for the iron to warm up enough to generate steam. The chords are cumbersome and dedicated storage space must be found for it when not in use.

But for all those cons, I absolutely love it. Once it’s set up and ready to go, ironing anything is a breeze. My sisters-in-law volunteer to do all my ironing when they are visiting just to play with it (best benefit of all).

Rating: ★★★★☆

Jazzy Journey

Linda — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:06:08 +0000

Jazzy Journey is a quick and easy pattern to do. Because I chose to use medium weight worsted yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease), I had to make some alterations to the original pattern, which called for bulky weight yarn. My adjustments:

Gauge in pattern: one repeat (18 stitches) = 5″, 20 rows = 5″ Finished size: 48 by 54

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease (3.5 oz, 197 yards, 180 meters) 5 skeins 140 Rose Heather, 6 skeins 104 Blush Heather

Pattern: Crochet rows 3-22 9 times total without repeating 3-12 at the end. Fringe: 14″ strands instead of 17″